The first figure seen here is a bishop of the Roman Catholic Church giving his blessings for the successful venture of La Armada, a great fleet of Spanish war ships built for the sole purpose to invade England. Also seen here is King Phillip II, the ruler of Spain- the most powerful country in the world- and duke Medina Sidonia, the leader of the 100 ship invasion, showing a map of England to the King. Sidonia felt incapable of this commission as he had no experience in maritime affairs. He knew nothing of England. It was a recipe for failure.
The rivalry between Spain, "the most powerful nation on the continent who held vast lands and unparalleled wealth from the New World, and England, a small country with little wealth, few friends and many enemies", hinged upon their many disputes and intrigues: returning England to its Roman Catholic roots, deposing Queen Elizabeth and reinstalling Mary, Queen of Scots or his daughter Isabella to the English throne. Conquering England was not to be. The Spanish ships were built too tall to be a good fighting force, whereas the English ships were much lower, and could easily hit the Spanish ships broadside. England's cunning and superior war ships defeated the Armada.