Final answer:
Yes, America had possible political gains in the 1500s through the establishment of colonies by European powers, which aimed to increase wealth, promote religious ideologies, and enhance national prestige.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea of possible political gains for America in the 1500s can indeed be associated with the establishment of colonies and the role they played in economic and political expansions. By the end of the 15th century, with Christopher Columbus's voyages in 1492, European nations were widely focused on expanding their influence which marked the beginning of the Age of Discovery.
During this period, nations like Spain, Portugal, France, and England sought to establish colonies for various reasons, including the pursuit of wealth, religious expansion, and the infusion of national prestige.
European colonization provided various political gains through the establishment and control of colonies. For Spain and Portugal, colonization meant direct political influence over the territories and the export of their culture, religion, and social systems. In contrast, the French and Dutch pursued economic interests through trade and contested Iberian power indirectly.
The English colonies, although not initially as successful in finding gold or silver as the Spaniards, were involved in various forms of trade such as tobacco, which eventually led to their economic success and further reinforced England's role in the Atlantic World. All of these activities underline the political relevance of America in the 1500s, as newly established colonies were integral to the nations' strategies for global dominance.