* Superior Naval Tactics: The English navy, under the command of Lord Howard of Effingham, employed more agile and maneuverable ships than the Spanish. They used a tactic called "sailing in line ahead" to outmaneuver the larger and slower Spanish galleons.
* Effective Gunnery: The English ships had better cannons and gunners, who could inflict significant damage on the Spanish vessels.
* Favorable Weather Conditions: The English benefited from strong winds, which made it difficult for the Spanish to maintain formation and use their large cannons effectively. This weather also hampered the Spanish ships' ability to land troops in England.
* The English Fireships: The English employed "fireships," ships filled with flammable materials that were sent to set the Spanish galleons ablaze. This caused significant damage and disruption to the Spanish fleet.
* The Spanish Armada's Overconfidence: The Spanish believed they had the superior navy and underestimated the English. They also lacked a clear strategy and were slow to adapt to the changing conditions.
While the Spanish Armada wasn't completely destroyed, it suffered heavy losses and was forced to retreat back to Spain, marking a decisive victory for the English and significantly weakening Spanish naval dominance.