Why did the Spanish Armada happen?

Answer 1

Philip II of Spain wanted to restore the Roman Catholic faith in England, and English piracies against Spanish trade and possessions offered him further provocation. The Treaty of Nonsuch (1585) by which England undertook to support the Dutch rebels against Spanish rule, along with damaging raids by Sir Francis Drake against Spanish commerce in the Caribbean in 1585-86, finally convinced Philip that a direct invasion of England was necessary.

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Answer 2

It was an attempt by Catholic Spain to exert its influence over Protestant England. In simple terms. However, one must also remember that Spain was now receiving massive amounts of wealth from the New World while England was receiving none, so Spain was able to build this massive fleet. One must also remember that right before Queen Elizabeth came to the throne of England it was Roman Catholic under Queen Mary (Bloody Mary) and there were those in England who welcomed Spain's attempt to influence affairs in England.

Answer 3

Napoleon wanted to invade England and knew he had to take care of the Royal Navy so he gave the French and Spanish Navies to attack the British.