The Spanish galleon (Spanish: galeón, nao, or navío) was a particularly large type of galleon used for both carrying cargo and as a warship armed with up to 60 cannons. Used from the mid-16th century until the early 19th century, Spanish galleons had three or four masts which were square- and lateen-rigged, a distinctive beak at the prow, and a high sterncastle.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 1520 - 1789Spanish treasure fleets transport the riches of the Americas to Spain.
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c. 1530The first Spanish galleons come into operation.
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1565 - 1815The Manila galleons each year take eastern trade goods from Manila to Acapulco (and return with American silver).
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Jul 1588 - Aug 1588The Spanish Armada of Philip II of Spain is defeated in its attempt to invade England.
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1 Jan 1710The English privateer Woodes Rogers captures the Manila galleon Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Disengaño.
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1743The Manila galleon Covadonga is captured by a Brtiish naval fleet near Manila.
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1762A British fleet commanded by Admiral Cornish captures the Spanish Manila galleon Santísima Trinidad.
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1815The last Manila galleon, the San Fernando, arrives in Acapulco.
