Final answer:
England's strategy for colonizing the New World was based on mercantilism, involving trade regulations, joint-stock companies for investment, and exploitation of resources. Expansion was also fueled by population pressures and justified by a sense of religious and cultural superiority.
Step-by-step explanation:
England utilized several strategies to colonize the New World, grounded in the principles of mercantilism and aimed at strengthening its economic position through resource extraction and trade. The Navigation Acts, regulations restricting commerce to English and colonial ships, helped maintain a favorable balance of trade. Through joint-stock companies, like the Virginia Company, investments in colonial endeavors were financed, enabling the establishment of settlements and the exploitation of New World resources. England encouraged emigration and established colonies to alleviate overcrowding and poverty. The colonies provided opportunities for English migrants to work in industries such as tobacco fields and engage in trade.
The colonies also served as an outlet for surplus populations, and territories expanded through settlements populated by both free individuals and indentured servants. Additionally, England's colonization efforts were wrapped in a mantle of religious and cultural superiority, with claims of Christianizing the New World and civilizing native populations adding justification to their imperial ambitions.