España como Imperio (6): El Imperio español frente a Inglaterra (1): La armada contra Inglaterra.

The article analyzes the references to England in the works of Cervantes, specifically in Don Quixote. It highlights that mentions of England are scarce and limited to literary aspects, such as the use of England as the setting for the exploits of King Arthur. It argues that this is due to the author's personal experience and literary interests, rather than the political importance of England at that time. However, it is mentioned that Cervantes addresses the hostile relations between Spain and England in other works, such as the poems about the Armada against England and the novel La española inglesa. It is emphasized that these writings provide valuable information about the confrontation between both countries. Additionally, the participation of other writers, such as Góngora and Lope de Vega, in the exaltation of England's enterprise through poetry is mentioned. The text talks about the lack of naval warfare experience of the Duke of Medina Sidonia and the Duke of Parma during the enterprise against England. Despite his lack of experience, the Duke of Medina Sidonia showed courage and lived up to the mission, while the Duke of Parma failed to fulfill his task. The main failure that led to the invasion's failure was the lack of coordination between both generals. Additionally, the English had a superior fleet in terms of ships and weaponry. The text discusses the defeat of the Spanish Armada in the war against England. It is mentioned that the English avoided close combat and preferred long-range attacks, while the Spanish were superior in boarding tactics. The role of King Philip II as the guarantor of victory is highlighted, comparing him to King David and emphasizing his Christian character. It is also mentioned that both the Spanish and the English were providentialists and saw God on their side before and after the battle. The causes of the defeat are mentioned, attributing it to natural factors and the designs of divine providence. The article describes the battle of the Invincible Armada between Spain and England in 1588. During the storm, three Spanish ships were lost, but the wind changed direction and allowed the Armada to move away from the English coasts. Despite technical and armament disadvantages, the Spanish were willing to fight if the wind favored them. Both the Spanish and the English attributed their result in the battle to the intervention of divine providence. The article also mentions a patriotic call from Cervantes to take up arms against England. The text talks about Cervantes' call to take up arms against England after the defeat of the Invincible Armada in 1588. Cervantes argues that the defeat was not decisive and that Spain has the ability to recover and seek revenge. Although some historians consider the defeat as the beginning of the decline of the Spanish Empire, Cervantes does not share this opinion and believes that Spain still has the strength and resources to continue the war. Additionally, he points out that during the Anglo-Spanish War, Spain maintained its naval supremacy and did not lose any of its territories in America. The article discusses the justification of the war against England by Spain in the 16th century. Both Cervantes and the Jesuit Ribadeneira argued that the war was just and necessary due to the offenses and injustices committed by the English against Spain. These offenses included piracy, the looting of ports and temples, and the attack on Spanish possessions in America. The Anglo-Spanish War, in which the Invincible Armada is framed, was initiated by the English and lasted until 1604. In summary, the text talks about the looting and devastations. [Extracted from the article]