Final answer:
The English waited to establish colonies in America due to several factors, including their late start compared to other empires, a rise in England's population, and economic and ideological motivations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The English waited so long to establish colonies in America for several reasons. First, England came late to the race of colonization compared to the Spanish Empire, which had already established colonies around the globe. However, the English eventually established colonies in America in the early seventeenth century.
One reason for the delayed colonization was the dramatic rise in England's population in the sixteenth century. This led to overcrowding and poverty at home, making the colonies an attractive place for English migrants seeking a better life. Additionally, the English monarchy had economic and ideological goals, such as countering Spanish Catholicism and conducting privateering expeditions, which motivated the establishment of colonies.
Overall, although the English were late to establish colonies in America, they eventually caught up and established permanent settlements like Jamestown and Plymouth.