Final answer:
England colonized in the New World for religious and moral reasons, to solve internal social upheaval, and to seize economic opportunities through the mercantilist system, competing with European powers for wealth and global influence, whilst also providing opportunities for social mobility and religious freedom.
Step-by-step explanation:
England colonized the New World for several interrelated reasons. Religious and moral justifications were prominent, with figures like Richard Hakluyt the Younger and John Dee advocating for the Christianization of native peoples, thereby glorifying God and Protestantism, in contrast to the Catholic Spanish. Additionally, colonization was seen as an economic opportunity and a way to address social issues within England, such as providing relief for the landless poor. This was achieved through the formation of joint-stock companies, which made colonization ventures feasible.
Under the mercantilist system, colonies played a crucial role by providing raw materials for industrial growth and creating a favorable balance of trade for the mother country. Moreover, colonization offered a chance to compete with other European powers, particularly Spain, in amassing wealth and expanding empire. Colonies like those in British history were all seen as extensions of English national identity.