ABSTRACT
English policy towards the Protestants of the Holy Roman Empire maintained a loose alliance and mutual understanding until the late 1570s. Elizabeth's ambassadors to Germany and Denmark in 1585-1586 experienced measures of success and bouts of frustration. King Frederik II of Denmark wrote to the Princes on the need for broad involvement, but fear of Imperial wrath kept them from contributing the massive sums required. English and Scottish leadership, to counter French infiltration into Britain, became increasingly organized during summer 1585, precisely when Ségur and Bodley were advocating Anglo-German league around the Empire. In March-April 1588, Frederik fell seriously ill and as ever omens from nature confirmed his imminent demise. On 4 April 1588, Frederik II died, leaving a young heir and fractured regency. The defeat of the Spanish Armada is the most celebrated event of Elizabeth's reign. Thus, crises mounted between 1587 and 1592 bringing confessional conflict in Europe to new heights.
