compare and contrast the early colonial empires of spain and england in temrs of motives for settlement, econoices and relations

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2 years ago

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with africans and indians

1 answer:

Nookie1986 [14] · Answer 1 · 2023-07-11T04:19:36+03:00

Spain and England built colonial empires starting in the 16th century.

Objectives and motives:

Both nations wanted to seek new trading routes with the far East. This would provide luxury goods like silk and spices, and precious metals (gold and silver).
In the case of the Spanish crown, Evangelization, and the spread of Catholicism was an important motif for exploring and colonizing.
Spanish colonists seek for a better life, the possibilities of having land, and a title. English colonists also seek for a better life with better economic opportunities. Also, many of them were persecuted for their religion in England (puritans or Catholics) and wanted to practice it freely in the new lands.

Economies:

Spanish colonies were dedicated to agriculture, mining, and trade. All of the raw materials were sent to Spain, which had a monopoly over trade with America. This caused a constant lack of products and smuggling as a usual practice among colonies.
English colonies in America were dedicated to agriculture too, and could only trade with Great Britain. Raw materials like cotton and tobacco were sent to England, where they were manufactured and sold back in America.

Relations with Africans and Indians:

Spanish had a close relationship with Indians. The desire of educating and evangelizing them gave forward to constant contact and exchange. In many cases, marriages took place between Europeans and Indians. The culture was mixed.
Indians also served as a free labor force. They were considered minor subjects of the Spanish crown that had to be protected. In many cases, they were mistreated and abused.
English colonists did not mix with Indians. The close intercultural exchange did not take place. Some hostile tribes were seen as enemies and annihilated. Others, with a peaceful attitude, coexisted as neighbors to the colonists.
In both cases, Africans were a slave labor force.

You can learn more about the colonial empires of England and Spain below:

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