Question

What religious rivalry in Europe shaped the exploration of the Americas?

Answer 1

Answer: Protestantism vs Catholicism

Explanation:

The European powers were predominantly Christian and wanted to spread this across the world in every nation they colonized. Being Christian however, did not mean that they were of the same denomination.

In the 16th century, King Henry VIII of England denounced the authority of the Pope and turned England into a protestant nation when the Pope refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

England embraced Protestantism with such gusto that the Catholics of Europe were infuriated to the point of Phillip II of Spain attempting to invade England and failing woefully.

In their race for the Americas, the Protestants of Europe often vied with the Catholics to convert as many people as possible and with their varying beliefs, often came into conflict with each other.