In 15 the same violent measures were repeated, but the last ended in disaster for him. In 1562 Hawkins forced his way by violence into the forbidden markets of the West Indies, his trade being chiefly in slaves whom he had captured in West Africa.

As time went on the Spanish ambassador was treated with disrespect, his house beset, visitors to his chapel imprisoned Spanish ships were robbed with impunity in the Channel. The victory of Protestantism being now complete, greater coolness was shown. When England had emerged triumphant at the treaty of Edinburgh (1560), Elizabeth sent him a special mission of thanks, with the Catholic Lord Montague at its head, to whom she gave a dispensation from the laws of England in order that he might practice Catholicism during the embassy. He facilitated her accession, supported her against the claims of Mary Stuart, and intervened powerfully in her favor to prevent French aid from being sent to Scotland. His intercession helped to save her life after Wyatt’s rebellion (1554). ENGLISH PROVOCATION., At the commencement of Elizabeth‘s reign (1558) Philip had been her best friend.

Armada, the SPANISH, also called the INVINCIBLE ARMADA (infra), and more correctly La Armada Grande, was a fleet (I) intended to invade England and to put an end to the long series of English aggressions against the colonies and possessions of the Spanish Crown (II) it was however all but destroyed by a week’s fighting and a disastrous cruise (III) this led to the gradual decadence of the maritime power of Spain (IV) Catholics upon the whole supported the Armada, but with some notable exceptions.

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