Conflicts in Europe

1. Conflicts in Europe • As Spain’s power grew other European countries became jealous

2. The Protestant Reformation split the Catholic and Protestant churches and brought tensions to countries • Rulers split with the Catholic church and set up churches in their own countries

3. Countries also distrusted each other and would no trade with one another • Sought trade routes and gold to make countries more powerful • Spain required 1/5 of all gold found by the conquistadors to be given to the king • This was part of a system called mercantilism that said colonies existed to make the home country powerful

4. Spain had hoped to force England back to Catholicism • Also resented English raided Spanish ships and assisted rebels in Holland • Fleet of 130 ships called Spanish Armada sailed toward England to force the Queen from the throne • The British met them at France and destroyed more then half of the Spanish fleet • Spain lost some power allowing the British and French to gain colonies

5. Asia Continues to Beckon • After Columbus, John Cabot thought a more northern route to Asia would be faster and easier • Spain and Portugal turned hi down; England financed the voyage • Cabot landed in Newfoundland; possibly traveled to Massachusetts but his ships disappeared

6. England, France, and Holland tried to find a sea route connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific called the Northwest Passage in North America • French explorers traveled to present day Canada • Henry Hudson found present day New York and sailed up the “Hudson River”