Question

British exploration of North America was a late 16th-century venture, while the Spanish had explored the continent a full century before. Which of the following best explains why the British lagged behind the Spanish?

• A. The British failed to develop dependable sailing vessels capable of handling transatlantic voyages.
• B. The unification of the Spanish kingdoms of Castile and Aragon provided the Spanish with ample wealth for exploration.
• C. Religious warfare due to the Reformation had consumed the Crown's resource and military.
• D. The Great London Fire had decimated the Crown's treasury, severely limiting available capital for the venture.
• E. Spanish conquistadors had superior military training enabling them to successfully subdue the native populations of North America.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Religious warfare due to the Reformation had consumed the Crown's resource and military.

Much of the 16th century found the British monarchy of both Henry VIII and his daughter, Elizabeth I consumed in religious warfare, a major distraction for the nation. The British victory against the Spanish Armada in 1588, a feat due to both strengthening of the British navy and a weakening of the Spanish, enabled the English, under Sir Walter Raleigh, to successfully explore the North American continent.