John Hawkins

(also Hawkyns). Born in 1532 in Plymouth; died Dec. 11, 1595. English admiral.

Hawkins laid the foundation for the English slave trade, which was one of the sources of the primary accumulation of capital in England. In 1588 he fought in the battle against the Spanish Armada. In 1595, together with Admiral F. Drake, he took part in an expedition to the West Indies. Hawkins died during the voyage.