Summary of Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe
Embark on a legendary journey with Drake around the world.
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Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Sir Francis Drake
Queen Elizabeth I
Thomas Doughty
Francis Fletcher
Juan Fernandez
Departure from England
Passing through the Strait of Magellan
Exploration of the Pacific Ocean
Arrival in the Philippines
Exploring the Spice Islands
Crossing the Indian Ocean
Passing around the Cape of Good Hope
Return to England
Impact of the Circumnavigation
Legacy of Sir Francis Drake
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe
- When: 1577-1580
- Who: Sir Francis Drake
- Outcome: First Englishman to complete a circumnavigation; plundered Spanish ships and territories
Famous Figures in the Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe
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Francis Drake
Francis Drake was an English explorer and naval officer who led the first circumnavigation of the globe. He set sail from England in 1577 and returned in 1580, becoming the first Englishman to complete such a voyage.
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Thomas Doughty
Thomas Doughty was an English navigator and explorer who accompanied Francis Drake on his circumnavigation journey. However, he was accused of plotting mutiny against Drake and was eventually executed.
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John Winter
John Winter was a sailor who participated in Francis Drake's circumnavigation voyage. He later became the captain of the Elizabeth Bonaventure, one of the ships in Drake's fleet.
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John Oxenham
John Oxenham was an English sea captain and privateer who joined Francis Drake's expedition. He played a key role in capturing Spanish settlements on the Pacific coast of South America.
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Francis Fletcher
Francis Fletcher was an English clergyman who served as the chaplain aboard Francis Drake's ship, the Golden Hind. He documented the events of the circumnavigation journey in his journal.
Timeline of Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe
Drake sets sail from Plymouth, England
Drake's fleet reaches the coast of Brazil
Drake captures a Spanish ship, Nuestra Señora de la Concepción
Drake renames Nuestra Señora de la Concepción to Cacafuego
Drake captures Spanish ships off the coast of Ecuador
Drake and his fleet raid Spanish settlements in Peru
Drake captures Spanish ships near Panama
Drake reaches the Pacific Ocean through the Strait of Magellan
Drake's fleet suffers heavy damage in a storm off the coast of Chile
Drake's fleet reaches the Moluccas (Spice Islands)
Drake captures Spanish treasure ships near the Philippines
Drake explores the Pacific coast of North America
Drake claims California for England and names it New Albion
Drake's fleet crosses the Pacific Ocean
Drake's fleet arrives in the Moluccas again
Drake's fleet navigates around the Cape of Good Hope
Drake's fleet arrives in Sierra Leone
Drake's fleet returns to Plymouth, England
Drake is knighted by Queen Elizabeth I
Vocabulary List
- Circumnavigation
- Drake's voyage was a successful circumnavigation of the globe.
- Explorer
- Drake was an English explorer who undertook the circumnavigation.
- Globe
- Drake's circumnavigation covered the entire globe.
- Voyage
- Drake's circumnavigation was a long and challenging voyage.
- Navigation
- Accurate navigation was crucial for Drake during his circumnavigation.
- Expedition
- Drake's circumnavigation was an important expedition in history.
- Sailors
- Drake and his crew were skilled sailors during the circumnavigation.
- Seafarers
- Drake and his seafarers embarked on the historic circumnavigation.
- Journey
- Drake's circumnavigation was an incredible journey around the world.
- Nautical
- Drake relied on nautical charts and instruments for his circumnavigation.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- Drake's circumnavigation of the globe was the second successful voyage around the world, following the expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan.
- Drake set sail on his circumnavigation journey aboard the ship named the Golden Hind.
- Drake's expedition aimed to disrupt Spanish shipping routes and acquire wealth through piracy and privateering.
- Drake departed from Plymouth, England, on December 13, 1577.
- During his circumnavigation, Drake explored the western coast of South America, claiming it for England.
- Drake sailed through the Strait of Magellan, the southern tip of South America, to enter the Pacific Ocean.
- Drake's crew endured harsh conditions and extreme cold temperatures while crossing the Pacific Ocean.
- During his voyage, Drake captured several Spanish ships, which greatly increased his wealth and fame.
- Drake reached the Moluccas (Spice Islands) in the Pacific, where he acquired valuable spices to bring back to England.
- Drake's circumnavigation voyage lasted approximately three years, from 1577 to 1580.
- Drake became the first Englishman to complete a circumnavigation of the globe.
- Upon his return to England, Drake was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I.
- Drake's successful circumnavigation brought immense wealth to Queen Elizabeth I and investors in his expedition.
- The circumnavigation voyage established Drake's reputation as a skilled navigator and a fearsome pirate.
- Drake's circumnavigation contributed to the growing rivalry between England and Spain.
- Drake's journey was accompanied by chronicler and geographer, Francis Fletcher.
- Drake encountered indigenous peoples during his voyage, including interactions with Native Americans on the west coast of North America.
- Drake's circumnavigation significantly disrupted Spanish trade and shipping routes in the Pacific.
- Drake's exploits during the circumnavigation voyage made him a national hero in England.
- Drake's circumnavigation journey paved the way for future English naval dominance and colonization efforts.
Analysis & Significance
Immediate Consequences
Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe marked a significant milestone in maritime exploration, solidifying England’s naval power and challenging the dominance of the Spanish Empire. It also sparked diplomatic tensions between England and Spain, leading to increased hostilities between the two nations.
Long-Term Impact
The successful voyage had lasting effects on global trade and colonization, as it opened new trade routes and territories for the English. Drake’s circumnavigation also contributed to the decline of the Spanish Empire’s dominance in the Americas, paving the way for England’s rise as a colonial power.
Cultural Significance Today
Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe is remembered as a symbol of courage, exploration, and determination. His legacy continues to inspire adventurers and historians, while also serving as a reminder of the complex historical relationships between nations and the impact of exploration on global politics.
Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe Games
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