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How did Sir Francis Drake attack Spanish shipping along the Pacific coast of South America?
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Sir Francis Drake
Sir Francis Drake, oil on panel, after an engraving attributed to Jodocus Hondius, c. 1583; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.
During his circumnavigation of the globe, Sir Francis Drake navigated the Pacific Ocean along the coast of South America as a hostile force, catching the Spanish entirely off guard as they had never encountered an enemy ship in those waters.1
Drake employed several tactics to attack and plunder Spanish interests:
- Seizing Provisions: He raided ValparaĂso to secure necessary supplies for his expedition.1
- Attacking Merchantmen: He actively hunted and attacked passing Spanish merchant vessels.1
- Capturing Treasure: He successfully intercepted and captured rich prizes, including ships carrying minted Spanish coinage, precious stones, pearls, and bars of gold and silver. Among these was the Cacafuego, a notable Spanish ship captured in 1579.12
Drake moved rapidly along the coast, effectively operating as a pirate to damage the interests of the Spanish monarch while enriching himself and his crew.1