Sir francis drake life story
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Sir Francis Drake (c.1540 - c.1596). In 1588, he was a vice admiral in the fleet that defeated the Armada. The expedition not only bolstered England's position as a rising maritime power but also inspired future explorations and adventures across the world. Drake’s leadership was instrumental in coordinating quick assaults that capitalized on every advantage available.
Once Drake reached the Pacific Ocean, he faced several challenges, including conflict with fellow commanders. His travels took him to the Moluccas, Celebes, Java and then round the Cape of Good Hope. In 1572, he commanded two vessels in a marauding expedition against Spanish ports in the Caribbean. The Lost Colony.
Sir Francis Drake (c.1540 - c.1596)
Sir Francis Drake ©Drake was an Elizabethan sailor and navigator, and the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe.
Francis Drake was born in Tavistock, Devon in around 1540 and went to sea at an early age.
BBC. Sir Francis Drake Facts. This journey would mark a significant milestone in maritime history.
Final Years and Legacy
In the latter part of his life, Sir Francis Drake continued to serve Queen Elizabeth I in various naval engagements against Spain. This victory not only ensured Elizabeth’s reign but also fueled a spirit of exploration that shaped the future of the New World.
Taking command of a fleet that included five ships, Drake set sail for South America, navigating through the perilous Straits of Magellan. By the 1560s, his exceptional skills allowed him to command his own ship, paving the way for a remarkable career as a privateer. Alongside his cousin, John Hawkins, he ventured to Africa to participate in the nascent slave trade.
One of Drake’s first significant triumphs occurred in 1572 when he targeted the port of Nombre de Dios in Panama. In 1577, Drake was secretly commissioned by Elizabeth I to set off on an expedition against the Spanish colonies on the American Pacific coast. Their expedition aimed at capturing individuals to sell in the Spanish colonies, an endeavor that would greatly influence Drake's later views and actions.
In 1587, war with Spain was imminent and Drake entered the port of Cadiz and destroyed 30 of the ships the Spanish were assembling against the British.
Drake's Role as a Privateer
Sir Francis Drake’s transition into a privateer began when Queen Elizabeth I granted him a commission, allowing him to legally attack Spanish vessels and seize their treasures.
He continued north, hoping to find a route across to the Atlantic, and sailed further up the west coast of America than any European.
The decisive moment came when the two fleets clashed in the English Channel. His early experiences at sea fostered his adventurous spirit and ambition.