Corsairs, or “legally authorized pirates” (Boorstin 62), were men who received written permission from their mother country to attack and capture enemy ships in times of war. They owed loyalty to no one except the country they served, and for around four hundred years, actions like those of the privateers shaped history as we know it. They are a perfect example of the politics of the time and were ultimately loyal subjects of their country. Corsairing is said to be “almost as old as civilization itself,” with the Japanese and Chinese practicing it as early as 1,200 BC (Massachusetts Society). . This really started to pick up steam around the 1500s, during Queen Elizabeth's reign over England. One of his main goals during his reign was to strengthen the English navy and eventually make it the world's leading maritime power. To do this, she created the Sea Dogs, also known as the "Elizabethan Pirates", who were to go out to sea and attack Spanish ships (even in peacetime). Each was given a “Letter of Marque” as permission to engage in these acts of potential piracy (Wikipedia.org). Although the Sea Dogs are famous for many things, one of the most notable is their assistance in the destruction of the Spanish Armada. The conflict between England and Spain only intensified with the continued harassment of Queen Elizabeth's privateers. The Sea Dog attacks began to disrupt the Spanish silver trade, adding to the religious opposition Queen Elizabeth faced from Catholics, as well as the execution of Mary of Scotland. In retaliation for attacks from England, Philip II formed the Spanish Armada, or invincible fleet. Even before the attack on England, the privateers were already at work to deprive the Spanish of their victory...... middle of paper..." The Spanish Armada Overview II. Np, nd Web. 18 March 2014. "Letter of Marque." Wikimedia Foundation, May 4, 2014. Web. April 15, 2014. "Wikimedia Foundation, March 17, 2014. Web. Privateers or merchant sailors helped win the Revolutionary War. American Merchant Marine at War, nd Web. March 18, 2014. .Tures, John A. "'A Word from 'Captain Caution': Myths About Privateers in the War of 1812." Napoleon Series. Robin Brass Studio, October 2010. Web. April 14. 2014.