This article is a part of all information about the Spanish Armada. Here is the complete list.
How was Spain before sailing of Armada?
How was Prince Phillip? What was his policy?
When did the Spanish armada sail?
When did England know about Armada?
How was the early fight between the Spanish and the English?
How did the battle with Spanish armada progress?
How did the Dutch help in fight with Spanish Armada?
How was the Chase, fire and final countdown?
How was England’s resistance against the armada?
What was the significance of British defeating the Spanish armada?
Between all the hullabaloo and turbulence, the summer of July 26th was a fairly serene and tranquil day. The weather became much better and the stormy and tempest whirlwinds died away. The two naval fleets stood still amidst the sea. By this time, the Spaniards realised that they were no match to the English Naval Base in open fight. At this juncture, The Duke of Medina Sidonia sent a message to the Prince Of Parma asking him to send around forty small sailing ships could give a tough fight to the English.
The Encounter
By July 27th, both the ships continued to move along the Channel without travail. Now the number of fights and bombardings had lessened and the Spanish Armada had lost much of its might. The Englishmen were fearful that they should not be confronted with a powerful and strong opponent.
At the end of the day, the lifeless and weak Armada took refuge in the harbour of Calais. The same day Sir Howard was supported by Sir Harry Seymour with his sixteen vessels squadron at Calais. The Dutch also became supportive of the English. The Spanish Armada with its 130 ships which were one of the strongest and most fearful armies back then and now, lay face to face with the English naval fleet comprising of 150 ships.
The Friendly Dutch Alliance
The Dutch were friendly towards the English because of many reasons. Both England and Dutch were representatives of the newly formed religion against the church. The Dutch were also against the Spanish because of the atrocities perpetrated by The Duke Of Alva. In fact, the Dutch had such unrelenting hatred for the Spaniards that they were ready to do anything to diminish their power and hegemony. They were aware of the growing Spanish might and strength and they did not want their power to grow any further. The Dutch were grateful to the English and Queen Elizabeth for their support when they were in need of provisions and utility. They wanted the English to win. They forgot their aim of becoming a marine superpower and put all their efforts and might in making England win. The Spanish Armada did not anticipate the role and part played by the Dutch in the war.
The Dutch came with full vigour and ardour. They truly supported the English, This defeated the very purpose and pre-mediated Spanish attack who now became inferior in strength and became weak. TheDutch put all their strength in the support of the English. In all ways, The Spanish Armada was now facing defeat. the Duke of Medina Sidonia could get no place for direct Spanish support of the land forces and the Duke of Parma found himself of no help and avail to the Spanish fleet. This was disastrous. The Admiral of the Spanish Armada had earlier thought of making use of the Small Ships brought by Parma.
The Contending Forces
By this time, the Spaniards had gained ground on two points. Firstly they were under the support of the agreeable land-Batteries and Secondly. The King of Parma could now move forward from Calais instead of Dunkirk. The Next day, July 29th was a day full of suspense and anxiety. Sir Howard and Drake knew that they could now face Parma and they were also aware of the superior size of the Spanish Armada. The Spaniards, on the other hand, were quite disturbed and paralysed by the bad weather conditions and the wind coming from the west. They wanted the wind to avert and make huge bombardings. The day passed in quietness and stillness, unaware of the fact that the night will bring strife, agony and pain on both sides which will eventually shape the destiny and future of both Spain and England.
