The Spanish Armada attempted to invade England in the year 1588. This fleet, sent by King Philip II of Spain, aimed to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and restore Catholicism in England. The Armada consisted of 130 ships but encountered significant challenges, including unfavorable weather and strategic missteps. The English navy, featuring faster and more maneuverable ships, engaged the Armada with great effectiveness. The defeat of the Spanish Armada marked a turning point in European history, diminishing Spain's dominance as a naval power and allowing England to rise in prominence, significantly impacting the course of future colonial endeavors.