What role did religion play in the conflict between England and Spain?

Religion played a significant role in the conflict between England and Spain, primarily during the late 16th century. The Protestant Reformation had led England to break from the Catholic Church, establishing Anglicanism, while Spain remained staunchly Catholic and viewed itself as a defender of the faith. This religious divide fueled tensions, contributing to England's support for Protestant rebels in the Spanish Netherlands and culminating in the Spanish Armada's attempt to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I in 1588. Thus, the intertwining of religious identity and political power intensified the rivalry between the two nations.