why was walter raleigh executed

Sir Walter Raleigh was executed primarily because of the revival of a previous death sentence related to his alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow King James I in 1603. Although he was initially sentenced to death for treason, the execution was delayed, and he spent 13 years imprisoned in the Tower of London. In 1616, Raleigh was allowed to lead an expedition to find the mythical El Dorado in South America, but his men attacked a Spanish fort against the express orders of King James I. This attack angered the Spanish, who then demanded revenge. When Raleigh returned to England in 1618, amidst efforts to maintain peace with Spain, King James I invoked the earlier death sentence and had Raleigh executed for treason on October 29, 1618. Raleigh faced his execution with bravery and reportedly urged the executioner to "Strike, man, strike!"