The Spanish Armada was a large fleet sent by Spain in 1588 to invade England. At that time, Spain was a powerful country, and its king, Philip II, wanted to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and restore Catholicism in England. The Armada consisted of about 130 ships and thousands of soldiers, but the mission faced many challenges. When the Armada reached England, it encountered fierce resistance from the English navy, led by commanders like Sir Francis Drake. Bad weather and strategic mistakes also played a role in its defeat. Ultimately, the failure of the Spanish Armada marked a significant turning point in European history, weakening Spain's dominance and boosting England's naval power.