England?s Imperial Stirrings Religious conflict raised between Spain and England when England became primarily Protestant, while Spain was Catholic. Ireland sided with Spain (both catholic) to rid England of their Protestant queen England crushed the Irish uprising, sending Protestant Scottish and English landlords to take control of their land. This was the beginning of many conflicts between Irish and English Elizabeth Energizes England Queen Elizabeth encouraged her sailors to attack Spanish ships and take their plunder, to spread Protestantism. English?s first attempt at colonization was in Newfoundland. Failed because its promoter died at sea