Significance of Francis drake

Who was Francis Drake?

An English merchant 

What was he popular for?

His trade in the New World and piracy actions

What happened in 1572?

Elizabeth hired Drake as a privateer and sent him to Panama. Drake returned with £40,000 pounds of Spanish silver.

What happended in November 1577?

Elizabeth sent Drake to soil the tip of South America for gold, silver, spices and otehr valuables; she also asked him secretely to attack Spanish ships and colonies in the New world. He came back with a only 1 of the 5 ships he was sent with, the Golden Hind.

What was the success of the expedition?

• First english to circumnavigate and second in history

• Claimed a land in North California called New Albion

• Came back with £400,000 Spanish treasures in 1580 - these were given to the investors and the queen

• Elizabeth knighted Drake on the Golden Hind - Phillip II didn’t like it as he only saw him as a pirate.

What was the significance?

• Worsened the Anglo-Spanish relationship

• Showed that England did not accept Spain’s domination of the Americas

• Brought and English nation hero for seafaring nation

• Crown’s finances were boosted

• Elizabeth showed defiance against Spain when Drake was knighte