Sir Francis Drake Sacks Santo Domingo
Sir Francis Drake was a prominent figure in the late 16th century, known for his privateering and naval exploits. In 1586, he led an expedition that attacked and looted the Spanish settlement of Santo Domingo in the present-day Dominican Republic, as well as Cartagena in modern-day Colombia. He also targeted St. Augustine in Florida.
During his 1585-1586 voyage, Drake’s fleet included African individuals who had been captured from Spanish vessels.
These actions were part of a broader conflict between England and Spain, contributing to the tensions that eventually led to the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604). Drake’s raids and the broader conflict significantly impacted the political and economic landscape of the time.