Elizabethan England / 1577-1580
Elizabethan England: Drake Circumnavigation
Drake's voyage around the world mixed danger, profit, and political tension with Spain.
What To Remember
- Drake sailed from Plymouth in 1577 and returned in 1580.
- He captured Spanish cargo, including gold, silver, and supplies.
- He reached California, called it Nova Albion, and then crossed the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The opening stages
Drake sailed from Plymouth in 1577 and first stopped at the Cape Verde Islands, where his fleet captured a Portuguese ship carrying wine.
Arguments broke out among the crew, and Drake later had Thomas Doughty executed for mutiny.
He then burned some of the fleet and pressed on with a smaller, more disciplined force.
Danger and loot
Storms in South America split the fleet, and Drake was left with just one ship and 55 men.
He was wounded on Mocha Island, then struck back by attacking Spanish holdings in Peru and seizing treasure from the Cacafuego.
The voyage showed that English privateers could steal huge profits from Spain even in far-off waters.
The return journey
Drake reached California, named it Nova Albion, and claimed it for England before sailing across the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and around Africa back to Plymouth.
He also struck a trade deal at Ternate, which gave Englishmen the chance to trade in spices.
The whole voyage made Drake famous and deeply increased tension with Spain.
Revision Prompt
What happened on Drake's circumnavigation of the world?