Question

Which of these is the BEST explanation for the contrast between Spain’s motives to explore and settle the North American continent and England’s motives?

A

Spain wanted to colonize North America, and England only wanted to take home the wealth of the New World.


B

Spain wanted to claim land in the New World to use for sending their prisoners to North America, and England wanted to convert all the "savages" to Catholicism.


C

Spain wanted to settle in North America to begin a fur trading business, and England wanted to bring glory to King George by conquering a new land and bringing back gold.


D

Spain wanted to convert North Americans to Christianity, conquistadors were seeking personal fame and fortune, and Spaniards wanted to find gold and bring it back to their motherland, while England’s desire was to create wealth at home by exercising their belief in the profits of mercantilism.

Answer 1

The correct answer is letter "A": Spain wanted to colonize North America, and England only wanted to take home the wealth of the New World.

Step-by-step explanation:

Spain and France had similar religious purposes while colonizing the New World: both sent missionaries to North America to convert the Indians to Catholic Christianity.

On the other hand, England saw in the New World a great source of income. They did not exactly found gold or other precious minerals but they could establish agricultural networks and custom taxes good enough for-profits. Eventually, the abuse in taxes imposed led years later to the American Revolution.