Drake's Role in the Spanish Invasion of England

Abstract

Opinions regarding Sir Francis Drake are almost never mundane. In the past, the English sentiment towards Drake has been very favorable, and understandably so; Drake was seen as a hero and an explorer. More recent accounts of Drake are much more objective. In Spain, Drake was hated, although it was admitted that he was an interesting historical figure, as well as clever and worthy of respect. Some accounts hesitate to use the word "pirate" to describe Drake, and yet, this is an accurate description of him. The purpose of this paper is to examine this uneasy relationship between Drake and Spain, and England and Spain, at this period in history. Did Drake's piracy on Spanish ships exacerbate conditions more than usual? Were Drake's actions a contributing factor to the attempted Spanish invasion of England in 1588? This question seems to be worthy of some study.