These bases had a huge strategic value because they allowed England to be threatened by the Spanish fleet and troops. The result of the intervention of Philip II in the religious war in France in support of the Catholic League, meant that Spanish forces had established coastal garrisons along the French and Flemish coast by the late 1580s. Spain and England had been at war for nearly twelve years with neither side gaining the upper hand. The material and financial losses added to the bankruptcy of the Spanish kingdom, during the autumn of 1596. Nearly 5,000 men died either from the storm or disease and 38 ships were lost, which was enough for a long-term postponement of the Irish enterprise. The storms shattered the Armada causing much damage and forcing the ships to return to their home ports. Before it had left Spanish waters, storms struck the fleet off Cape Finisterre. The Armada under the command of the Adelantado, Martín de Padilla was gathered at Lisbon, Vigo and Seville and set off in October. The strategy was to open a new front in the war, forcing English troops away from France and the Netherlands, where they were also fighting. In an attempt at revenge for the English sack of Cadiz in 1596, Philip immediately ordered a counter strike in the hope of assisting the Irish rebels in rebellion against the English crown. Another invasion of England or Ireland was attempted in the autumn of 1596 by King Philip II of Spain. The 2nd Spanish Armada also known as the Spanish Armada of 1596 was a naval operation that took place during the Anglo–Spanish War.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |