how did the reformation in great britain affect the colonization of the new world? explain.
The Reformation was about the "re-forming" of the Church -- and the Protestant movement was closely associated, of course
http://www.answers.com/topic/reformation
Other than exploration and greed (!), why did people choose to get on big ships and move to the new world?
I wikl assume it;s better to travel by big ships in case they sanked
What do sailing ships have to do with reformation of religion??
The Reformation in Great Britain had a significant influence on the colonization of the New World, particularly in North America, which was predominantly colonized by England.
First, let's understand the Reformation. The Reformation was a religious movement that took place in the 16th century, primarily led by Martin Luther and later adopted by other reformers such as John Calvin. It resulted in a schism within Christianity, with the emergence of Protestantism as a separate branch from Catholicism.
Now, let's dive into how the Reformation affected colonization:
1. Religious motivations: The Reformation brought about a range of religious changes and controversies in Europe. In England, King Henry VIII's split from the Catholic Church in the 1530s created the Church of England, establishing Protestantism as the official religion. Some English colonizers in the New World, known as Puritans, were influenced by the Reformation and sought to establish Puritan communities governed by their interpretation of Protestantism.
2. Escape from persecution: The Reformation resulted in religious persecution across Europe. Many Puritans and other religious dissenters faced persecution and sought refuge in the New World to freely practice their beliefs without interference from the Church of England. Settlements like Plymouth Colony and Massachusetts Bay Colony were established by English Puritans seeking religious freedom.
3. Competition with Catholic powers: Catholic countries, such as Spain and France, were also actively colonizing the New World during this era. The Protestant English sought to challenge the prominence of these Catholic powers and expand their influence. Colonization provided a means to establish English dominance, both economically and politically, over the Catholic rivals.
4. Economic pursuits and resources: While religion played a significant role, economic motivations also influenced colonization. English colonizers sought lucrative trade opportunities with the New World, including the extraction of valuable resources like timber, fish, and furs. These economic goals were driven by the desire to strengthen England's economy and challenge the dominance of Catholic powers.
In summary, the Reformation in Great Britain influenced the colonization of the New World in multiple ways. It led to the establishment of Protestantism as the official religion, which influenced the religious motivations of colonizers. Additionally, the religious persecution as a result of the Reformation prompted many English colonizers to seek religious freedom in the New World. Moreover, competition with Catholic powers and economic pursuits further propelled English colonization.