What did the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 allow England to do?

The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 marked a significant turning point in European power dynamics, as it diminished Spain's dominance at sea and allowed England to assert itself as a rising maritime power. Following this defeat, England was able to enhance its naval capabilities, which included building a stronger fleet and engaging in more aggressive exploration and colonization efforts. This expansion in naval power ultimately positioned England to play a prominent role in global trade and overseas territorial claims during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

The other choices do not align with the implications of the Armada's defeat. Establishing an alliance with Spain became less feasible after their military setbacks, and acquiring Mexico was largely a product of Spanish conquest earlier in the 16th century rather than a direct result of naval engagements. The Church of England was established prior to 1588, as it originated during the reign of Henry VIII in the 1530s, representing a separate issue from the military and naval conflicts with Spain. Thus, the defeat of the Spanish Armada opened the door for England to grow as a formidable naval power.