England's main motives for exploring and colonizing America included a variety of factors, but the most significant among them were:
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Creating wealth and building model societies: The pursuit of wealth through the establishment of colonies was a primary motive. The potential for resources such as tobacco, sugar, and other valuable crops created economic interest. Additionally, some settlers sought to establish a "model" society based on English values and Protestant beliefs.
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Converting Native Americans to Protestantism: Religious motives were also significant, particularly for groups like the Puritans who sought to spread their religious beliefs and escape persecution in England.
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Defeating French military and trading outposts: England was also motivated by a desire to expand its territory and influence, which included undermining French interests in North America, particularly in terms of trade and military presence.
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Learning about new types of animals and plants: While this was a lesser motive compared to the immediate economic and religious reasons, the exploration did contribute to scientific knowledge and understanding of the New World.
In summary, the key motives were primarily economic expansion and wealth, religious conversion efforts, and strategic competition with other European powers like France.
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