Why did the English not try to settle North America earlier than the late 1500s?

Question

(1 point)

Answer 1

One possible reason is that England was preoccupied with other matters during that time, such as conflicts with other European nations, religious turmoil, and internal political struggles. Additionally, technological advancements and navigational knowledge were not yet sufficient for long-distance travel and exploration. The English also lacked the financial resources and incentives to embark on costly and risky colonization ventures. It was only in the late 1500s, with the defeat of the Spanish Armada and the growing interest in overseas expansion, that England began to focus on establishing settlements in North America.