Completion of the Voyage and Its Significance

The final leg of Drake's circumnavigation included significant diplomatic and commercial achievements, as well as harrowing challenges. His trade treaty with the sultan of Ternate Island in the Maluku Islands opened new opportunities for English merchants in the lucrative spice trade.

Vocabulary: Circumnavigation - The act of sailing all the way around the world.

Drake's return to England in 1580 marked a momentous occasion in Elizabethan history. As only the second person to circumnavigate the globe, Drake's achievement significantly boosted England's national prestige and signaled its growing strength as a seafaring nation.

The financial success of the voyage was staggering. Drake returned with an estimated £400,000 of Spanish treasure, equivalent to about £200 million in modern currency. This windfall provided investors with a 4600% dividend and bolstered the Crown's finances at a critical time.

Definition: Privateering - The practice of privately owned ships being authorized by a government to attack and capture enemy vessels.

Queen Elizabeth I's decision to knight Drake on the deck of the Golden Hind was a calculated political move, sending a strong message of defiance to Spain and affirming England's growing maritime ambitions.

The significance of Drake's circumnavigation extended beyond immediate financial and political gains:

1. It greatly enhanced England's reputation as a seafaring nation.
2. The voyage encouraged further exploration by demonstrating the feasibility of long-distance maritime expeditions.
3. Drake and his crew gathered valuable information about the Americas, contributing to England's geographical knowledge and navigational expertise.
4. The expedition heightened tensions between England and Spain, contributing to the eventual outbreak of war.

In conclusion, Sir Francis Drake's circumnavigation was a pivotal event that showcased England's emerging naval prowess, challenged Spanish hegemony, and set the stage for England's future as a global maritime power. Its impacts on trade, exploration, and international relations would resonate for centuries to come.

Reasons for Increased Exploration

The period 1558-88 saw unprecedented growth in English exploration due to multiple factors:

Highlight: Economic motivations included potential returns of up to 4600% for investors in successful voyages.

Definition: Privateering was state-sanctioned piracy that allowed explorers like Drake to legally plunder enemy ships.

Vocabulary: Commodities - valuable trade goods including pearls, spices, sugar cane, precious metals, and tobacco.