England's Defeat of the Spanish Armada: A Historic Victory
England's Defeat of the Spanish Armada: A Historic Victory In 1588, the mightiest fleet set sail from Spain. Its target was England. At stake was nothing less than Catholic control of Western Europe. Here's What You Need to Know: Spain remained a great power for decades to come, but in political and psychological terms, the Armada campaign was a great English victory. On Friday, July 29, 1588, a group of English gentlemen decided to play a friendly game of bowls after a hearty midday meal. They walked over to the Hoe, a grassy stretch of ground overlooking the harbor at Plymouth, one of Engl...