Answer: I therefore think that religion was a key factor in the worsening of Anglo-Spanish relations from 1569-85 because both Phillip and the Pope believed Protestantism was heresy and therefore they wanted to remove her. 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.
Explanation: There were many reasons for this. 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.
