Final answer:
Walter Raleigh, Francis Drake, and John Hawkins were English sea dogs, a term for privateers sanctioned by Queen Elizabeth I to plunder Spanish treasures in the New World. They played a key role in England's maritime strategies and the broader conflict with Spain. The correct answer is option d.
Step-by-step explanation:
Walter Raleigh, Francis Drake, and John Hawkins were notable figures during the Elizabethan era of English history, particularly known for their exploits on the high seas. They were not British boats, submarines, or Navy ships, but rather sea dogs. Sea dogs were privateers authorized by Queen Elizabeth I to attack and plunder the Spanish ships and treasure in the New World, thereby enriching themselves and England.
This form of state-sponsored piracy was a significant aspect of England's strategy to compete with the naval dominance of Spain. Sir Francis Drake, in particular, is renowned for his circumnavigation of the globe and his part in defeating the Spanish Armada. These privateers played a crucial role in the conflict between Protestant England and Catholic Spain, which was marked by Sir Francis Drake being knighted and the notorious 1588 attempt by Spain to invade England using the Armada.
The sea dogs were instrumental not only in conducting raids but also in providing aid to English colonies, as evident from Drake's support of the Roanoke settlement during a destructive hurricane. These adventures on the high seas established a foundation for English colonial power and contributed to the rivalry and eventual warfare between England and Spain.
The correct option is D. sea dogs.