Question

Why did the English not engage in exploration and colonization until long after the Spanish?

Answer 1

That is because the Spaniards controlled the seas.

Answer 2

That’s bc the Spaniards controlled the seas. They had a vast armada that controlled the seas and nobody could go to the new world. When the Brits took over and beat the armada, they start developing the trade and colonies more and establish their own mercantile policies.

I hope that helped