The Spanish Armada- Spain's Great Tragedy

     The Spanish Armada was a divine turning point in the history of the Americas. 
When Francis Drake was knighted, it gave James II a reason to show how Spain could
be a "bully" of the world, and for him to show off his power.  The fleet of 130 massive,
clumsy ships that he sent out had much bad luck heading their way.  The Spanish
Armada lost against the British for many reasons.  The British ultimately had a better
navy with swifter, better maneuvering ships that outgunned the Armada.  The weather
was also against the Spanish.  These and many other reasons including disease, Dutch
rebels, and low ammunition helped British win a major victory, and declare itself as a
power of the Atlantic.
     Spain lost a lot more than just a fleet of ships in their bitter defeat.  Spain
demonstrated that it lacked the power to impose religious unity on Europe.  Spain also
lost total control of the North Atlantic, and of North America.  The once powerful
nation was withered down to second-rate after just one loss.
     The Armada was so important that if not for the British victory in this battle, the
British would have very small control of North America and history would turn out much
differently.  This battle was the foundation for the United States that we know today.