Hawkins, Sir John (1532-1595), also spelled Hawkyns, was an English sea captain during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He was a fearless adventurer but also the first English slave trader. In 1568, the Spaniards attacked his fleet in a Mexican harbor. He survived, but the incident added to growing hostility between England and Spain. In 1585, England helped rebels in Holland fight against Spanish rule there, thus provoking war between England and Spain. In 1588, Hawkins helped command the ships that successfully defended England against the Spanish fleet called the Armada. He was knighted in the battle. Hawkins was born in Plymouth, England. He died on Nov. 12, 1595.
