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The Armada of the Strait, 1581-84: An Epic Expedition in the Footsteps of Magellan

Neil Gaiman

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Published in The Struggle For The South Atlantic: The Armada Of The Strait 1581 84 (Hakluyt Society Third 31)

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: The Lure of the Strait

In the annals of maritime history, the 16th century stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration. One of the most ambitious and perilous expeditions of this era was the Armada of the Strait, a daring venture that set sail in 1581 with the audacious goal of circumnavigating the globe and discovering the elusive Strait of Magellan.

The Struggle for the South Atlantic: The Armada of the Strait 1581 84 (Hakluyt Society Third 31)

The Struggle for the South Atlantic: The Armada of the Strait, 1581-84 (Hakluyt Society, Third Book 31)

by Carla Rahn Phillips

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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A Painting Depicting The Ships Of The Armada Of The Strait Sailing Through The Tumultuous Waters Of The Strait Of Magellan The Struggle For The South Atlantic: The Armada Of The Strait 1581 84 (Hakluyt Society Third 31)

Francis Drake: The Visionary Navigator

At the helm of the Armada of the Strait was the legendary English explorer, Sir Francis Drake. A seasoned sailor and skilled navigator, Drake was renowned for his daring exploits and his unwavering belief in the possibility of circumnavigating the globe. Driven by a thirst for adventure and a desire to uncover the secrets of the unexplored world, he assembled a formidable fleet of ships and set sail from Plymouth, England, on December 13, 1581.

The Expedition's Course: A Perilous Journey

The Armada of the Strait embarked on a treacherous journey that would test the limits of human endurance. After crossing the treacherous Atlantic Ocean, the ships encountered the formidable storms and towering waves of the Southern Ocean. Undeterred, they pressed on, navigating the treacherous waters of the Strait of Magellan, a narrow and winding passage between the southern tip of South America and the island of Tierra del Fuego.

A Map Showing The Route Taken By The Armada Of The Strait The Struggle For The South Atlantic: The Armada Of The Strait 1581 84 (Hakluyt Society Third 31) — The arduous journey of the Armada of the Strait, circumnavigating the globe

Encounters and Discoveries: A World of Wonders

Along the way, Drake and his crew encountered a diverse array of indigenous cultures, each with their unique customs and beliefs. They witnessed the grandeur of Patagonia and marveled at the towering snow-capped Andes Mountains. They also encountered the warlike inhabitants of Tierra del Fuego, who resisted their attempts to establish contact.

An Illustration Depicting The Armada Of The Strait Encountering Indigenous Peoples In South America The Struggle For The South Atlantic: The Armada Of The Strait 1581 84 (Hakluyt Society Third 31)

Thomas Cavendish: A Worthy Successor

In 1586, five years after Drake's return, another English expedition set sail for the Strait of Magellan. Led by the intrepid navigator, Thomas Cavendish, this voyage sought to emulate the achievements of its predecessor. Cavendish successfully circumnavigated the globe, becoming the third person to accomplish this extraordinary feat.

A Portrait Of Thomas Cavendish, The English Explorer Who Circumnavigated The Globe Following In Drake's Footsteps The Struggle For The South Atlantic: The Armada Of The Strait 1581 84 (Hakluyt Society Third 31) — Thomas Cavendish, a daring explorer in the wake of the Armada of the Strait

Legacy and Impact: Shaping the Course of Exploration

The Armada of the Strait and its subsequent expeditions left an indelible mark on the history of exploration. They provided valuable knowledge about the geography and inhabitants of the southern hemisphere. They also fueled the dreams of future explorers and paved the way for the establishment of European colonies in the Americas.

The Hakluyt Society: Preserving the Historical Record

The Hakluyt Society, founded in 1846, has played a crucial role in preserving the historical record of the Armada of the Strait and other maritime expeditions. The society has published numerous volumes of primary source material, including eyewitness accounts, maps, and logs. These documents provide invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of these daring adventurers.

: A Testament to Human Ingenuity

The Armada of the Strait stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of human exploration. It is a story of daring explorers, perilous journeys, and the unwavering quest for knowledge. Through their extraordinary endeavors, these intrepid sailors expanded the boundaries of human understanding and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire us today.

The Struggle for the South Atlantic: The Armada of the Strait, 1581-84 (Hakluyt Society, Third Book 31)

by Carla Rahn Phillips

5 out of 5