Why Was England Late in Exploring the New World? The Factors Behind Its Lag
England was relatively late in exploring the New World in comparison to Spain and Portugal. This article delves into the various factors that contributed to this delay, examining the political, economic, and social circumstances that shaped England's approach to exploration.
Political and Economic Priorities
Before the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, England was a modest nation, resourceically challenged, and politically struggling with internal conflicts, like the Wars of the Roses. England's economy was predominantly agrarian, and the monarchy's focus was more on stabilizing the realm and consolidating power than investing in overseas ventures.
Internal Conflicts
The late 15th and early 16th centuries were marked by internal strife, notably the Wars of the Roses, which distracted from overseas exploration efforts.
Economic Focus
England's economy was primarily agrarian, and the monarchy's priorities lay in stabilizing the realm and consolidating power rather than investing in overseas ventures. This economic focus is still evident in the limited maritime exploration England conducted, such as crossing the English Channel.
Maritime Capabilities
England's maritime capabilities were not as advanced as those of Spain and Portugal, which contributed significantly to their early lead in exploration.
Naval Development
Spain and Portugal had already established strong maritime traditions and capabilities, particularly after the Reconquista, which freed up resources for exploration. England, on the other hand, was slower to develop its naval power.
Technological Advancements
The ships and navigational technologies that made long sea voyages possible were more advanced in the Iberian Peninsula at that time. This technological gap further hindered England's forays into the New World.
Religious Factors
The English Reformation in the 1530s shifted focus and resources toward religious conflicts and establishing the Church of England, further delaying exploration efforts.
Exploration Philosophy
The approach to exploration in England was different from that of Spain and Portugal. Early English explorers were often more interested in trade and privateering than outright conquest and colonization.
John Cabot and Giovanni Caboto
John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto), an Italian explorer who had become an English citizen, explored North America, but the focus of these explorations was more on trade and privateering rather than outright conquest and colonization.
Consolidation of Claims
By the time England began to explore more seriously in the late 16th century, Spain and Portugal had already established significant claims and colonies in the New World, making it harder for England to compete.
Conclusion
While England eventually engaged in exploration and colonization, its earlier hesitance was due to a combination of political, economic, and social factors, as well as the established dominance of Spain and Portugal in the New World. The English approach to exploration was more cautious and focused on trade, which differed from the aggressive conquistador model employed by the Spanish.
Overall, the multifaceted reasons behind England's late entry into New World exploration highlight the complex interplay of political, economic, social, and technological factors that shaped early European exploration efforts.