Question

Imagine you're a 16th century privateer. what considerations influence how you go about your privateering enterprise? You should pick nation to sail for, methods for financing your voyage, targets, and think about what potential problems you might face that you need to plan for.

Answer 1

As a 16th century English privateer, you would sail under Queen Elizabeth's support, targeting Spanish assets due to political tensions, with the rise of colonization signaling a shift in priorities after peace with Spain.

Step-by-step explanation:

As a 16th century privateer, your primary considerations would include choosing a nation to sail for, likely England due to Queen Elizabeth's sponsorship of such ventures. Financing would involve gaining support from the crown or wealthy investors, and your targets would be largely focused on Spanish ships and colonies, taking advantage of tensions between England and Spain. Potential problems could include naval confrontations with Spain, the threat of becoming branded as a pirate, and navigating complex and potentially hostile new environments. The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots and the failed Spanish Armada are crucial political events that influenced privateering activities. After the peace with Spain in 1604, priorities shifted from privateering to colonization in search of resources like gold and silver.