Francis Drake grew up in Devon as a puritan (and was strongly anti-Catholic). His father was a yeoman farmer which meant that they were below the gentry in social status. When he was 12, Drake was apprenticed to a local ship owner.

Hawkins' Slave Voyages

Drake joined his cousin Sir John Hawkins in three trading missions from 1564-1569 which enslaved over 1200 Africans and transported them across the Atlantic. Queen Elizabeth approved these missions and even loaned a ship. Elizabeth honoured Hawkins when he returned and he gave her a share of the profits.

Drake was made captain of The Judith for the third slave-trading mission in 1568. They captured 250 Africans who they exchanged for gold, silver and jewels in the Carribean. Things went wrong for the English following a storm which forced Hawkins' fleet to anchor at San Juan de Ulúa (in modern day Mexico) to resupply and repair. The Spanish launched a surprise attack – known as the Battle of San Juan de Ulúa in which only Drake's and Hawkins’ ships escaped. They had to abandon most of the men from their fleet who were killed or enslaved by the Spanish. Drake was accused of abandoning Hawkins - a charge that he spent years trying to defend.

Consequences of the Battle of San Juan de Ulúa:

It intensifed Drake's and Hawkins' hatred for the Spanish.
The expedition made no profit so Hawkins and Drake stopped the trade in human beings.
Instead, Drake switched from trading to raiding.

1572-1573 Expedition to Panama

Drake stole an enormous amount of treasure from the Spanish (about 20 tonnes of silver and gold).
He enlisted the services of Diego, an African who had escaped from the Spanish; he had very valuable local knowledge.
The Spanish nicknamed Drake 'El Draque' (the dragon) and King Philip sent reinforcements to defend his colonies.
Elizabeth refused permission for Drake to launch another expedition to the Americas for 3 years as she was nervous about further upsetting Spain.

GCSE Elizabethan England 1568-1603 AQA

Drake's Early Life