DNL 2°4/ Francis Drake

I. England: a rising colonial power
II. Francis Drake and his circumnavigation of the globe
III. The Spanish Armada: England’s war with Spain

Documents

Word box

  • Privateer – A government-approved pirate who attacks enemy ships to gain treasure and weaken rivals.
  • Sea Dogs – Famous English privateers like Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh who raided Spanish ports.
  • Circumnavigation – Sailing all the way around the world, like Drake did between 1577–1580.
  • Spanish Armada – A large Spanish fleet sent in 1588 to invade England, defeated by the English navy.
  • Protestant Wind – A storm that helped the English defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588.
  • East India Company – English company founded in 1600 to dominate trade with India and Southeast Asia.
  • Maritime Power – Strength at sea, including a strong navy and control of trade routes.
  • Colonial Expansion – The process of establishing overseas territories and trade networks.
  • Religious Rivalry – Conflict between Protestant England and Catholic Spain that influenced wars and politics.
  • Treasure-laden Galleons – Spanish ships full of gold, silver, and spices targeted by English privateers.
  • Navigation – The skill of directing ships safely across oceans, crucial for exploration and trade.
  • Naval Warfare – Fighting battles at sea using ships, cannons, and strategy.
  • Exploration – Traveling to new lands for discovery, trade, or colonization.
  • National Hero – A person celebrated for bravery or achievements, like Francis Drake in England.
  • Global Empire – A nation controlling territories and trade worldwide, a goal England moved toward.

Links and videos

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the career of Francis Drake shows how England became a growing colonial power at the end of the 16th century. His circumnavigation of the globe (1577–1580) proves England’s naval skills and its ability to compete with Spain and Portugal on global trade routes. Through his attacks on Spanish territories, Drake helped weaken Spanish domination. This rivalry reached a peak with the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, which was a turning point in England’s favor. Therefore, Drake can be seen as a key figure linking exploration, naval warfare, and English colonial expansion.