BULOS: La historia real de la Armada Invencible | Grandes mentiras de la historia | Canal HISTORIA

Summary

In this video, the narrator debunks popular myths surrounding the Spanish Armada and its legendary defeat by the English in 1588. The story, often told from an English perspective, is filled with historical inaccuracies and exaggerated tales of Spanish failure. The video clarifies that the so-called 'Invincible Armada' was neither invincible nor defeated in the dramatic manner often depicted. Instead, Spanish forces faced logistical challenges, including stormy weather and poor preparation, while English forces relied on effective propaganda. The narrator also explores the origins of the famous 'kings ceiling songs chart' and the role of British propaganda in shaping historical narratives.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'Invincible Armada' was not used by the Spanish, who referred to it as the 'Grande y Felicísima Armada.'
• 😀 English historians and propagandists exaggerated the defeat of the Spanish fleet, inflating the narrative of victory.
• 😀 The Armada was severely undermined by bad weather, with many ships lost during storms in the English Channel.
• 😀 Contrary to popular belief, King Felipe II of Spain did not aim to take the English throne for himself, but instead sought to install a Catholic ruler in England.
• 😀 Queen Elizabeth's famous speech at Tilbury was an inspirational moment, but the English also benefited from superior numbers in the naval battle.
• 😀 The English used clever propaganda to amplify their victory, creating myths around the event that persisted across Europe.
• 😀 The Spanish Armada faced significant logistical issues, including poorly maintained ships and the loss of their commander, Don Álvaro de Bazán, before the campaign began.
• 😀 The defeat of the Armada was not as complete as widely believed—many Spanish ships managed to return to Spain despite heavy losses.
• 😀 The English victory was seen as a symbol of the decline of the Spanish Empire, but the Spanish Empire continued to thrive for several decades after the Armada's failure.
• 😀 The 'chelin del rey' (King's shilling) was a symbolic currency used in English taverns to recruit sailors for naval service, tying the creation of the shilling to the naval history of England.
• 😀 The video argues that much of the historical narrative surrounding the Armada is a constructed myth, fueled by English storytelling and propaganda.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the 'Kings Ceiling Songs Chart' or 'chelín del rey' mentioned at the beginning of the video?

The 'Kings Ceiling Songs Chart' or 'chelín del rey' is a tankard used to serve beer, and it has a glass base. The glass bottom was a clever design feature meant to prevent dishonesty, ensuring the drinker could see if someone had added extra coins to their drink, as was common in taverns during the time.

What was the relationship between King Philip II of Spain and Queen Elizabeth I of England, according to the video?

The video explains that Philip II of Spain and Queen Elizabeth I of England had a complex relationship. While it is commonly thought that Philip hated Elizabeth, the truth is that his actions were often aimed at supporting her, especially when it came to placing a Catholic on the English throne. Philip never intended to take the throne for himself, contrary to popular belief.

How did England's military strength compare to Spain's during the conflict over the Armada?

The video highlights that the idea of Spain being overwhelmingly superior in strength is a myth. The English had a comparable or even greater number of ships than the Spanish. While Spain had a formidable fleet, the English forces were more agile and their navy had been revitalized under Elizabeth I.

What is the historical inaccuracy regarding the term 'Invincible Armada'?

The term 'Invincible Armada' was not used by the Spanish. It was coined by the English to inflate the perceived power of the Spanish fleet and exaggerate the difficulty of the battle they faced. The fleet was actually called the 'Grande y Felicísima Armada' by the Spanish.

Who was supposed to command the Spanish Armada, and what happened to him?

The Spanish Armada was to be commanded by Don Álvaro de Bazán, the Marquis of Santa Cruz, a highly respected admiral. However, he died of typhus just months before the conflict, leaving the fleet without a leader of his caliber.

What role did storms play in the defeat of the Spanish Armada?

Storms were a significant factor in the defeat of the Spanish Armada. The video explains that the Spanish fleet, composed of 130 ships, was severely damaged by storms in the English Channel, which scattered the fleet and caused many ships to be lost or forced to return to Spain.

How did English propaganda affect the perception of the Spanish Armada's defeat?

English propaganda played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of the Armada's defeat. The victory was exaggerated, and the image of the Spanish fleet's destruction was widely spread across Europe. The English made it seem as though the Armada had been entirely vanquished, though many ships actually returned to Spain.

What was the true outcome of the Spanish Armada's expedition in terms of casualties?

The true outcome of the Spanish Armada's expedition was far less catastrophic than commonly believed. While many ships were lost, the majority of the fleet returned to Spain after enduring storms and difficulties, including significant losses along the coasts of Ireland.

What is the connection between the 'chelín del rey' and English naval recruitment?

The 'chelín del rey' (King's shilling) was used as a form of recruitment for the English navy. Tavern owners would offer a pint of beer in exchange for accepting the shilling, which symbolized being recruited into the navy. The glasses were designed with glass bottoms so drinkers could see the shilling at the bottom before drinking.

How does the video describe the long-term decline of the Spanish Empire?

The video challenges the narrative that the defeat of the Spanish Armada marked the end of the Spanish Empire. It points out that the Spanish Empire continued for several decades, and it would take another 50 years for the British Empire to become a true global power. The decline of Spain was a gradual process, not a sudden one triggered by the Armada's defeat.