Final answer:
John Cabot, an Italian explorer sponsored by England, was the first to explore Canada, landing in Newfoundland in 1497 and claiming it for King Henry VII. Cabot's voyages laid the foundational claim for England in North America, despite subsequent challenges in English colonization efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Italian Explorer Sponsored by England Who Explored Canada
The Italian explorer sponsored by England who explored Canada was John Cabot. Cabot, a Venetian mariner living in London, was granted permission by King Henry VII of England in May of 1497 to seek a northern route to Asia.
Instead of Asia, he reached Newfoundland in June and claimed the land on behalf of the English throne, marking the beginning of England's territorial claims in North America.
This occurred during an era when European nations, particularly Spain and Portugal, were expanding their horizons and exploring the New World.
John Cabot's voyages were significant because they secured for England a claim to the North American mainland, which would become important during the subsequent waves of English colonization.
Although his first trip was successful, Cabot's second voyage in 1498, which was once again funded partly by King Henry VII, ended after Cabot's death, and the failure to find precious metals led to a loss of interest from the king in further overseas exploration.
Nevertheless, despite initial setbacks and political distractions within England, Cabot's exploration laid the groundwork for England's later colonization efforts in the New World.