The main motive for king philip ii's attack on england in 1588 was to

Annihilation of Protestantism in England and Holland was the main motive for King Philip II's attack on England in 1588. Philip II (a pious Catholic) was the king of Spain who regarded himself as the protector of the Catholic faith. During his reign, Spain moved to its political peak.

There were various reasons including his efforts to replace the Protestant faith with the Roman Catholic faith in England, the piracy of the English toward the trade of Spain etc, which allowed the king to invade England. Also, England's assistance to the Dutch revolutionaries against the Spanish rule, and the damaging attacks of Sir Francis Drake, on Spanish Commerce, induced him to sent a direct invasion of England. Philip even had the support of the pope in his attempt to restore the Catholic Faith in Protestant England.

Phillip being a catholic wanted to restore Catholicism to England which was a protestant country under Elizabeth. Phillip had Pope's support in his effort to restore Catholicism and the Pope had even offered a reward if he succeeded in restoring Catholicism.