Spanish Armada
The Spanish Armada of 1588, led by Duke of Medina Sidonia, was a fleet that sailed toward England with the express intent of overthrowing Elizabeth I of England. Over 130 ships set out, and less than 80 returned to Spain. However, the English, led by Lord Howard of Effingham, met the Spanish at the Battle of Gravelines, and were eventually victorious. At the end of it all, Spanish casualties totaled over 20,000. This was one skirmish of many that were part of the Anglo-Spanish War.