How Successful Was The Spanish Settlement In The 17th Century Essay

During the 16th century and the early half of the 17th century the Spanish had the majority claim on North America due to previous explorations; however, by the late 17th century three of the four major powers challenged Spain’s control and had taken hostile action to establish their power in North America. Between 1650 and 1750, a pattern emerged showing that the countries of Europe wanted to claim the Americas, all of their land and resources, as their own for their economy and for power over the other maritime powers in Europe. This period was more a period of development and establishment wherever possible to stake their claims than of pure discovery. This essay will discuss the motivation behind the Spanish’s and the English’s exploration and settlements in North America, the relations between them and Native Americans and how being in the Americas affect colonies at home.
In …show more content…
After the death of King Charles II his brother James II took control. James II distrusted many and demanded absolute monarchy, which did not settle well with people in Europe and colonist in America. This caused a rift in the English empire, distrust, and hate among individuals of the English empire. Constant internal struggles and war with France and Spain brought in a new era of conflict for all the powers involved. This in turn caused a shift of equal distribution among towns and families such as in times of war many soldiers and their families simply faced fighting and death while strategic farmers began selling crops for more wealth. Europe’s massive wars and fight for power eventually haltered the progression of Spain as they barely held onto their colonies in New Mexico and Florida and vastly quickened England’s expansion, development, and power as they had a far more numerous