The document discusses the development of European naval powers between 1492-1588. It notes key events like Columbus discovering America, Vasco da Gama reaching India, and John Cabot finding Newfoundland. It then focuses on the growth of the English navy under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I through building ships and naval bases. Tensions rose between England and Spain due to privateering, religious differences, and Spanish actions in the Netherlands. This culminated in the failed Spanish Armada invasion of 1588, where the English fleet defeated the larger Spanish Armada through superior tactics and ship design.