O PIRATA FAVORITO DA RAINHA ELIZABETH - SIR FRANCIS DRAKE

Summary

Francis Drake, born in England in the 16th century, was a daring pirate, corsair, and navigator who became a national hero. After suffering a defeat by the Spanish Armada, he sought revenge against Spain, raiding Spanish territories and amassing wealth. His greatest feat was circumnavigating the globe between 1577 and 1580, earning royal favor. Drake's exploits helped shape England's maritime power, notably defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588. Though a hero in England, he was a villain to Spain. His final voyage in 1595 ended in defeat and death, but his legacy as one of history’s greatest adventurers endures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Francis Drake was born in England in the 16th century and developed an early interest in a life at sea.
• 😀 At the age of 20, Drake became a ship captain and learned navigation from his cousin, John Hawkins.
• 😀 In his early adventures, Drake was attacked and defeated by the Spanish Armada, sparking a lifelong hatred for Spain.
• 😀 At 25, Drake joined a slave trade fleet and was again attacked by the Spanish, further fueling his desire for revenge.
• 😀 Drake became a pirate and corsair, attacking Spanish possessions in Central America, notably plundering Nombre de Dios in Panama in 1572.
• 😀 With support from Queen Elizabeth I, Drake became a privateer, sanctioned to raid enemy ships, primarily targeting the Spanish.
• 😀 Between 1577 and 1580, Drake became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe, an achievement that solidified his fame.
• 😀 During his global voyage, Drake discovered the Drake Passage, though he never sailed through it himself, opting for the Strait of Magellan instead.
• 😀 After his successful circumnavigation, Drake returned to England, where he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth and became a hero.
• 😀 In 1585, Drake led a fleet to attack Spanish colonies in the Caribbean and the Americas, continuing his mission to weaken Spain.
• 😀 Drake played a pivotal role in defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588, a victory that shifted global power dynamics and marked the height of his career.
• 😀 Drake's final expedition in 1595 was disastrous, resulting in defeat and ultimately his death from dysentery in 1596 at the age of 55.

Q & A

What inspired Francis Drake to become a pirate?

Francis Drake was inspired to become a pirate after being defeated by the Spanish Armada at the age of 22. This experience fueled his hatred for the Spanish, who were England's main rivals at sea.

How did Francis Drake’s early career unfold?

Drake's early career began when he became a captain of a ship at the age of 20, learning the ropes from his cousin, John Hawkins. He was also involved in the slave trade and faced multiple attacks by the Spanish during these years.

What was significant about Drake’s raid on Nombre de Dios in 1572?

In 1572, Drake raided the city of Nombre de Dios (now in Panama), seizing a large amount of silver. Instead of keeping the treasure, he gave it to Queen Elizabeth I, which earned him her favor and support for future expeditions.

How did Francis Drake become a privateer?

With the support of Queen Elizabeth I, Drake was granted a letter of marque, officially making him a privateer. This allowed him to legally attack and plunder Spanish ships, furthering his career as a pirate with royal backing.

What was the significance of Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe?

Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe (1577-1580) was a monumental achievement. He became the first Englishman and the second person overall to complete the journey, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest navigators of his time.

What challenges did Drake face during his circumnavigation?

During his circumnavigation, Drake encountered several challenges, including storms, damaged ships, and conflicts with other crew members. One of his ships sank, and the fleet was reduced to just three ships during the journey.

What did Francis Drake discover during his voyage around the world?

While circumnavigating the globe, Drake discovered the Drake Passage, a sea route between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica, although he never actually sailed through it. He also briefly explored the northern Pacific but was stopped by cold weather.

How did Francis Drake impact the geopolitical landscape of his time?

Drake’s successful raids on Spanish possessions and his strategic actions during the Spanish Armada of 1588 significantly weakened Spain's naval power, leading to England’s rise as the dominant sea power in the world.

What role did Francis Drake play in the defeat of the Spanish Armada?

Drake played a crucial role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. His tactics, combined with bad weather, led to the Spanish fleet’s defeat, ensuring England’s naval dominance and altering the course of history.

How did Francis Drake’s life end?

Francis Drake died in 1596 at the age of 55 from dysentery while on an expedition in Panama. His body was buried at sea, and he was remembered as a hero by the English and a villain by the Spanish.