The Spanish Armada was built by Spain which consisted of hundreds of galleons, and was used to try to offset the British Privateers who were constantly attacking Spanish ships en route from their American colonies that were laden with gold and other valuable wares, and taking them over. Great Britain, in response ordered for all ships to be taken to the British Royal Navy to be pressed into service, and met the attacking Spanish Armada, and was able to crush it. Philip capitulated, and Spain was never able to regain it's total strength during the colonial days after that.
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