Sir Francis Drake

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Drake is best remembered for battling the Spanish and being the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. The author points out that Drake, called El Draque, meaning "the dragon", by the Spanish, is best known for his piracy of Spanish settlements and ships and his role in defeating the Spanish Armada. The paper describes Drake's adventure through the Strait of Magellan and into the Pacific Ocean to claim areas of North America, called Nova Albion, for Queen Elizabeth; the area included most of Washington, all of Oregon, and a sliver of California.

From the Paper:

"Sir Francis Drake was Vice Admiral of the English fleet fighting the Spanish Armada. During the Battle of Gravelines, on July 29, 1588 the Armada was defeated by an English naval force under the command of Lord Charles Howard and Sir Francis Drake off the coast of Gravelines, France. Prior to the battle, Drake is said to have been playing a game of bowls. On being warned of the approach of the Spanish fleet, Drake reportedly remarked that there was plenty of time to finish the game and still beat the Spaniards. The English later defeated the Spanish on August 4 off Dorset with a fleet under the command of Lord Howard of Effingham and Sir Francis Drake. The final battle between the English and the Spanish was off the coast of Flanders and resulted in Spanish retreat."

More papers on Sir Francis Drake:

• Analytical Essay # 63013 : "Sir Francis Bacon's "The New Atlantis"
• Research Paper # 57169 : "Francis Bacon"
• Essay # 59429 : "The British Navy"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: