Spain repelled an English naval assault on Puerto Rico, halting Drake's last major expedition and demonstrating Spanish colonial defense capability.
Key Facts
- Date
- 22 November 1595
- English ships
- 27 ships
- English force
- 2,500 men
- Conflict
- Anglo–Spanish War (began 1585)
- Notable English death
- John Hawkins died during the campaign
- Drake's fate
- Died of disease; buried at sea near Panama
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Anglo–Spanish War, which began in 1585, extended into the Americas as England sought to raid Spanish colonial holdings. Following England's defeat at Lisbon in 1589, Francis Drake spent years in disgrace before organizing a major expedition against the Spanish Main, aiming to sack wealthy colonial ports including San Juan, Puerto Rico.
On 22 November 1595, Drake and John Hawkins led 27 ships and 2,500 men in an attempt to invade San Juan. After failing to land at Ensenada del Escambron on the eastern end of the islet, Drake tried to sail into San Juan Bay to sack the city. Spanish defenses held firm and the English were unable to capture the island.
Unable to take San Juan and following the death of John Hawkins during the campaign, Drake abandoned the assault and sailed for Panama. There he died of disease and received a burial at sea, having failed to establish an English foothold in the Americas. The battle marked the end of Drake's career and demonstrated the resilience of Spanish colonial defenses.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Francis Drake, John Hawkins.