The Rise of State-Sponsored Piracy: Francis Drake and the Spanish Treasure Ships
What prompted Francis Drake and other English seamen to attack Spanish ships and raid towns?
A. England's desire to establish peaceful trade with Spain
B. Spain's warning against trading with the English
C. The need to strengthen diplomatic relations
D. Seeking to disrupt Spanish dominance and wealth
Answer:
The correct answer is D. Seeking to disrupt Spanish dominance and wealth.
Francis Drake's attacks on Spanish treasure ships were motivated by the desire to weaken Spanish dominance in the Atlantic and disrupt their wealth. These actions were part of a state-sponsored piracy venture sanctioned by Queen Elizabeth I of England.
Drake and other English seamen targeted Spanish ships and raided towns as a strategic move to undermine Spain's power and economic prosperity. By attacking Spanish treasure ships, they aimed to interrupt the flow of wealth from the colonies back to Spain.
This aggressive stance against Spanish authority in the Atlantic world culminated in the weakening of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The defeat of the Armada marked a significant turning point in European naval history and paved the way for other European powers to challenge Spain's dominance.