What was the relationship between Elizabeth I and Philip II?

But Philip had once been Elizabeth’s family, then a potential mate and uneasy ally. Elizabeth and Philip—these two powerful people—would begin their relationship peacefully, even warmly, but they would become enemies, facing off in a battle of empires and faiths that would last until death.

Why did Philip of Spain dislike England and Elizabeth?

To begin with, England was a Protestant country, and Spain was a Roman Catholic one. The Spanish made no secret of their hostility to the English Queen, who they believed was illegitimate and had no right to the English throne, and had been involved in plots to dethrone her.

What was England’s relationship with Spain at the beginning of 1558?

When Elizabeth became Queen in 1558 on the death of her half-sister Mary, England had a decent relationship with Spain. Mary’s marriage to Philip of Spain obviously helped to cement this even if the marriage itself was not a success.

Why did conflict develop between Elizabeth England and Phillip II?

Years of religious and political differences led up to the conflict between Catholic Spain and Protestant England. The killing of Mary Queen of Scots, ordered by Elizabeth, was the final straw for Philip II in the religious tensions between the two countries.

When did Philip propose to Elizabeth?

Philip II proposed to Elizabeth I in 1559. Following Mary’s death in 1558, Philip supported Elizabeth’s assumption of the throne.

Did Philip of Spain want to marry Elizabeth?

King Philip of Spain – In the 1560s, King Philip proposed to Elizabeth. He was a Catholic who had been married to Mary, Elizabeth’s sister. MPs were not in favour of this alliance for fear of causing religious unsettlement and creating a foreign influence in government. Elizabeth cautiously rejected this offer.

What was the major disagreement between Spain and England during Queen Elizabeth’s reign?

Spain was a Catholic country and England a Protestant country – meaning that the two rulers had conflicting spiritual outlooks. Elizabeth secretly supported the Dutch rebels because she knew the Dutch revolt would keep the Spanish too busy to threaten England.

Why did the relationship between England and Spain deteriorate?

Spain was a Catholic country and England a Protestant country – meaning that the two rulers had conflicting spiritual outlooks. English sailors like Hawkins and Drake attacked and stole treasure from Spanish ships in the New World. King Philip was furious but Elizabeth encouraged and rewarded adventurers.

Why did relations between Spain and England decline?

During the 1570’s the Spanish were in a weak position due to financial problems due to the conflict in the Netherlands and were having issues with the Ottoman Empire. Drake’s attacks were just further irritants for the Spanish, and therefore damaged Anglo-English relations.