Privately-owned ships combined with the Navy Royal in highly profitable raids against Spanish commerce and colonies.238-53 , 281-6 , 292-6 In 1588 Philip II of Spain sent the Spanish Armada against England to stop English support for the Dutch rebels , to stop English pirate activity , and to depose Elizabeth . The Spaniards sailed from Lisbon , planning to escort an invasion force from the Spanish Netherlands . In 1588 Philip II of Spain sent the Spanish Armada against England in order to end English support for Dutch rebels , to stop English corsair activity and to depose the Protestant Elizabeth I. The Spaniards sailed from Lisbon , planning to escort an invasion force from the Spanish Netherlands but the plan failed due to poor planning , English harrying , blocking action by the Dutch and bad weather .