Why were the English claims father north than those of the Spanish
To understand why the English claims were farther north than those of the Spanish, we need to explore the historical context and the factors that influenced each country's exploration efforts.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, both England and Spain were competing for influence and territory in the New World. The Spanish had already established a significant presence in Central and South America, and their main motivations were to find new trade routes, accumulate wealth through colonization and extraction of resources, and spread Catholicism.
On the other hand, England was somewhat late to establish its colonial presence in the Americas. The English explorers, sponsored by the monarchy and private companies, were primarily motivated by finding new trade routes to Asia, claiming territory, and expanding their own mercantile interests. However, due to geographical and geopolitical factors, the English focused their efforts further north.
Here are some key reasons why the English claims were farther north than those of the Spanish:
1. Geographic Factors: The Spanish focused on exploring areas closer to the equator in search of routes to Asia and access to valuable resources like gold and silver. The English, however, were aware of the challenges posed by the Spanish presence and the strong naval power of the Spanish Empire. They sought alternative routes to avoid direct conflicts and competition with the Spanish, which led them to explore the northern regions of North America.
2. Northwest Passage: One of the major goals of English exploration was finding the elusive Northwest Passage, a hypothetical water route through North America connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The English believed that discovering this passage would provide them with a direct and profitable route to Asia for trade. Consequently, they focused their efforts on exploring and claiming territories in the northern regions closer to the Arctic Circle.
3. Fishing and Whaling Industry: The English recognized the rich fishing grounds off the coast of present-day Newfoundland and Labrador. This region became a major center for English fishermen, who exploited the abundant cod fisheries. The English claims further north were strategically important for securing these fishing grounds, which contributed to their economic interests.
4. Distance from Spanish Influence: By establishing claims and settlements farther north, the English could avoid direct clashes with the Spanish. The Spanish Empire had a strong presence in the Caribbean and Central/South America, making it difficult for the English to compete in those regions. The northern areas allowed the English to establish their presence while minimizing conflicts with the Spanish.
In summary, the English claims were farther north than those of the Spanish due to various reasons, including the search for the Northwest Passage, the lucrative fishing industry, and the desire to avoid direct competition with the well-established Spanish Empire in the southern regions of the New World.