Secrets of the Spanish Armada (Full Episode) | Drain the Oceans | National Geographic

The Spanish Armada, a powerful fleet intended to conquer England, ultimately failed due to a combination of factors, including England's superior naval gunnery, tactics, and the use of fire ships. The defeat of the Armada shifted the global balance of power, leading to England's rise as a dominant naval power and impacting the course of trade and colonization in the Americas.

Spanish Maritime Empire

• 00:00:04 The Spanish Armada was a pivotal sea battle that altered the global balance of power for centuries. Spain's vast maritime empire, fueled by wealth from the Americas, depended on a large fleet of ships for trade, including valuable goods like whale oil and precious metals. These ships were the lifeblood of Spain's economy and global influence, and without them, its power would diminish.

England's Naval Tactics

• 00:14:04 England, under Queen Elizabeth I, challenged Spain's dominance in the Atlantic, engaging in state-sponsored piracy to disrupt Spanish trade and gain wealth. This policy and religious conflicts led to the Spanish Armada's invasion attempt. England developed superior naval tactics, emphasizing long-range gunnery, maneuverability, and the use of fire ships, effectively countering the Spanish reliance on boarding tactics.

The San Juan

• 00:02:40 The discovery of the San Juan wreck in Red Bay, Canada, revealed a significant early industrial site in North America, where whale oil was produced and shipped to Europe. This site played a critical role in Spain's economy and highlights the global reach of Spanish maritime activity in the 16th century, emphasizing their participation in the lucrative trade in whale oil.

The Mary Rose

• 00:23:15 The Mary Rose, a ship from Henry VIII's era, revealed insights into the evolution of English naval warfare. It showcased the shift from traditional boarding tactics with archers to the adoption of new weaponry like iron and bronze cannons. This change in technology and naval strategy ultimately proved advantageous against the Spanish Armada, demonstrating the impact of innovation in naval technology on combat.

Armada's Defeat

• 00:40:15 The Spanish Armada's defeat resulted from a combination of factors, including the English's superior naval tactics, weaponry, and the use of fire ships. The Spanish fleet, facing a storm and damaged from the English attacks, ultimately failed to land in England. This event dramatically altered the global balance of power and paved the way for the rise of England as a dominant seafaring nation.