Why did the English and Spanish want colonies in America?
To increase their wealth!
http://www.teachingushistory.org/lessons/col_his_bg_notes.html
http://history-world.org/united_states_of_america.htm
http://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/pke/phillips/colonies/whypeoplecametothenewworld.htm
http://www.shmoop.com/spanish-colonization/
Read carefully.
Take good notes.
Let us know what you discover.
The English and Spanish wanted colonies in America for a variety of reasons, including economic, political, and religious factors. To understand their motivations, we can delve into the historical context and delve into the specific circumstances surrounding each group.
For the English, their primary motivation was the pursuit of wealth and economic opportunities. They hoped to establish profitable trade networks, exploit natural resources like gold and silver, and find new markets for their goods. One example of this is the establishment of the Jamestown colony in Virginia in 1607, which aimed to discover gold and other valuable resources.
In addition to economic reasons, the English also sought to expand their political influence and establish dominance in North America. By creating colonies, they could increase their territorial claims and compete with other European powers, most notably the Spanish.
On the other hand, the Spanish had already established a significant presence in the Americas since the late 15th century, with the arrival of Christopher Columbus. The Spanish crown was motivated by a combination of factors, including gold and silver extraction, religious conversion, and geopolitical power. The Spanish colonizers sought to expand their empire, exploit the abundant resources in the New World, and spread Catholicism.
To uncover more specific motivations, it is essential to study the individual explorers and conquerors who spearheaded these ventures. For instance, Hernan Cortes, a Spanish conquistador, led the conquest of the Aztec Empire in what is now Mexico, driven by his desire for riches and power.
In summary, the English and Spanish sought colonies in America for economic gains, political influence, religious motivations, and the desire to explore and conquer new territories. Understanding their motivations involves examining historical accounts, primary sources, and studying the objectives and actions of specific individuals.