EPISODE · Jul 19, 2026 · 5 MIN
The Secret Siege: How a Few Ships Saved the Spanish Empire
from The Story of Spain: Empire, Gold, and Global Power — Fexingo History · host Fexingo
The Spanish Armada's defeat in 1588 is legendary, but the real crisis came years later, when English privateers and Dutch rebels threatened the flow of silver from the Americas. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the little-known 1595-1596 defense of the Spanish Caribbean, focusing on the siege of San Juan, Puerto Rico, by Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Hawkins. They discuss how a small garrison, a few fortifications, and the strategic brilliance of Governor Pedro Suárez and Captain Juan de Haro repelled the English assault, buying time for Spain to rebuild its navy and secure its treasure fleets. Discover the role of the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the fateful death of Hawkins, and how this victory set the stage for Spain's resurgence under Philip III. A story of resilience, logistics, and the unsung heroes of the Spanish Main. #SanJuan1595 #FrancisDrake #JohnHawkins #SpanishEmpire #CastilloSanFelipeDelMorro #PedroSuárez #JuanDeHaro #Caribbean #Siege #TreasureFleet #PhilipII #ElizabethI #Privateer #NavalHistory #SpanishMain #16thCentury #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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The Secret Siege: How a Few Ships Saved the Spanish Empire
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