rds her navy defeated the Spanish Armada.England and Spain had been competing for trade andland in the “new” world, America (Thomas 231). Thefleet of Spanish ships, about one hundred and fifty,was the largest fleet in history. King Philip thoughtthey were invincible. Once the fleet reached Calais,however, they were badly damaged by the English navyand they did not receive the help from the Duke ofParma that they were promised (Erickson 203).Elizabeth gave this speech to her troops before thebattle, “ My loving people, we have been persuaded bysome, that are careful of our safety, to take heed howwe commit ourselves to armed multitudes, for fear oftreachery; but I assure you, I do not desire to liveto distrust my faithful and loving people. Lettyrants fear; I have always so behaved myself that,under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good will of mysubjects. I know I have the body of a weak and feeblewoman; but I have the heart of a king. I myself willbe your general, judge and reward of every one of yourvirtues in the field” (Internet).NEW PARA.:After the Spanish defeat, England had themost powerful navy in the world. They were infavoritism of being pirates and would often raidSpanish ships and steal their gold and jewels. Thishelped them build an empire in America and also suchplaces as India. As a result of these empires,England rose out of an economic depression and grew tobe the powerful and prosperous nation it still istoday (Ross 65).NP:As you have read, Elizabeth overcame manyobstacles, achieved great things for the country sheruled, and disproved the myth that woman are incapableof ruling themselves, much less a country. Hervirginity, pureness, and virtue gained her respect,adoration, and love. It also prevented wars withother countries, thus improving England’s foreignaffairs. She led her army against the Spanish Armadaand got England out of a ...
