Relations with Spain

How can Anglo-Spanish relations during the reign of Elizabeth I best be described?

Throughout Elizabeth's reign the relationship with Spain was strained. The relationship deteriorated over time and culminated in the attack of the Spanish Armada.

What were Anglo-Spanish relations like under Mary I?

Before Elizabeth, England and Spain were united through the marriage of Mary I and Philip II of Spain from 1554 to Mary's death in 1558. England had even supported Spain in a war against France.

Why did Anglo-Spanish relations deteriorate under Elizabeth I?

There were many causes of the deterioration in relations:

• ❖ King Philip II wanted to convert England back to Catholicism and therefore proposed to Elizabeth. She did not respond to his proposal.
• ❖ Elizabeth supported the Dutch rebels in their struggle against Spanish rule in the Netherlands as demonstrated in the Treaty of Nonsuch, 1585.
• ❖ Robert Dudley became the Governor-General of the Netherlands, implying English control over the Spanish-controlled region.
• ❖ English privateers attacked Spanish ships and stole their treasure, the most notable being the raid on Cadiz in 1587.