What event is marked by the defeat of the Spanish Armada?

The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 is primarily significant as a turning point that led to the decline of Spanish power in Europe and its overseas empires. The Spanish Armada was a massive fleet intended to invade England and restore Catholic rule, but its failure marked a substantial shift in the balance of power. Following this defeat, Spain's influence weakened, both politically and militarily, as they could no longer project power across the seas or maintain the same level of control over their territories.

This event catalyzed changes across Europe, with other nations, notably England and France, beginning to assert more power and influence. It also had lasting effects on the naval capabilities of England, leading to increased investments in their navy, setting the stage for Britain's emergence as a dominant sea power in the following centuries.

While options related to colonial expansion and naval dominance reflect important outcomes of this event, they are ultimately rooted in the initial decline of Spanish power, which directly resulted from the defeat of the Armada. The option regarding the Spanish-American War is not related to this historical context, as that conflict occurred much later in the late 19th century.