The Anglo-Spanish War fought between the British Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell and Spain between 1654 and 1660 is caused by commercial rivalry.

During the war, Admiral Robert Blake blockades Cádiz, and in 1655 one of his captains, Richard Stayner, destroys most of the Spanish treasure fleet.

A galleon of treasure is captured, and the overall loss to Spain is estimated at £2,000,000.

In May 1655, British forces in the form of a joint expedition led by Admiral Sir William Penn (father of the founder of Pennsylvania), and General Robert Venables seize the island of Jamaica.

In 1657, the Governor invites the Buccaneers to base themselves at Port Royal to deter Spanish aggression.

In 1657 and 1658, the Spanish, sailing from Cuba, fail at the battles of Ocho Rios and Rio Nuevo in their attempts to retake the island, and in 1657 Blake defeats the Spanish West Indian Fleet.

On April 20, 1657, Blake totally destroys a Spanish treasure fleet of 16 ships at Santa Cruz Bay, Tenerife for the loss of one ship, despite being under fire from shore batteries and attacking and withdrawing on the tide.

The major land actions take place in the Spanish Netherlands.

The redcoats of the New Model Army distinguish themselves at the Battle of the Dunes in alliance with the French who are engaged in the Franco-Spanish War.