Why did northern European powers enter the competition for the New World land and resources in the 17th century?
need help please
Riches!
They wanted land, gold, and any other valuable stuff they could find and claim.
Of course there was introducing the natives to Christianity. I do not think I will follow that train of thought further and have deleted a sentence or two.
:-) It's often been said that the Spanish were claiming lands in the New World for "God, gold, and glory."
Thank You for your help
You're welcome.
After I posted the info about the Spanish, I realized you'd asked about Northern Europeans. They weren't as concerned about spreading Christianity as the Spanish and Portuguese.
i really do understand this still
its getting me upset :(
I'm trying to help my little girl but i really don't understand this stuffs at all
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To understand why northern European powers entered the competition for New World land and resources in the 17th century, we need to look at the historical context and motivations of these nations.
Firstly, it's important to note that by the 17th century, Spain and Portugal had already established significant colonial empires in the Americas. They had access to vast resources, including precious metals, and controlled lucrative trade routes. This success led other nations to seek their own opportunities for wealth and power in the New World.
Here are some key reasons why northern European powers entered this competition:
1. Economic Factors: One of the primary motivations for entering the competition was the desire to establish lucrative trade networks. The New World offered the possibility of accessing new markets, obtaining valuable raw materials, and establishing colonies to exploit resources such as timber, sugar, tobacco, and furs. These resources were in high demand in Europe and could generate significant profits for the participating nations.
2. National Rivalries: There were intense rivalries between European powers during this era. England, France, and the Netherlands, in particular, sought to challenge the dominance of Spain and Portugal. By establishing colonies in the New World, these nations aimed to increase their own wealth, power, and influence on the global stage.
3. Religious and Political Factors: The 17th century was characterized by religious conflicts in Europe, including the Protestant Reformation. Some northern European powers, like England and the Netherlands, were Protestant nations and viewed colonial ventures as a way to spread their religious beliefs. Additionally, the religious clashes led to political instability, and overseas colonies offered an escape valve for social tensions and provide potential resources and land for the growing populations.
4. Technological Advances: Advances in naval technology, such as improved ship designs and navigation techniques, made long-distance voyages to the New World more manageable. These technological advancements reduced the risks associated with venturing into unknown territories and made it easier for northern European powers to establish and maintain colonies.
In summary, the northern European powers' entry into the competition for New World land and resources in the 17th century was driven by economic ambitions, national rivalries, religious and political factors, and advances in technology. These factors combined to create a compelling incentive for these nations to expand their empires and establish colonies in the Americas.