how was an invincible Fleet defeated in 1588 the Spanish Armada a massive Fleet sent by King Philip II of Spain to invade England was defeated by the English the smaller more maneuverable English ships hated by a fierce storm decimated the Armada the defeat marked the decline of Spanish dominance and the rise of England as a major Naval power the armada's defeat had significant long-term effects weakening Spain's influence and bolstering England's position in global Affairs the event is often cited as a turning point in European history Shifting the balance of power in favor of protestant England thanks for watching