Colonial America Why Did the English Come to America?

John Cabot

The first Englishman to come to America was John Cabot in 1497. He was searching for a faster way to reach the Indies by sailing west. During his journey, Cabot claimed much of the east coast of North America for England.

The Golden Hinde, John Cabot's Ship

Many of the first Englishmen who came to the New World were traders. However, Spain did not want other countries trading in the Americas. Spain wanted to control all trade in the New World.

Sir Francis Drake, a British sea captain, traded with Spanish colonies. When the Spanish attacked and sank his ship, Drake returned to England, gathered a new crew, and began raiding Spanish treasure ships and settlements.

The Spanish Armada

Other British sailors joined Drake. The British government did not stop them because they believed Spain had become too powerful in the Americas. Spain grew angry and built a huge fleet of ships called the Spanish Armada to stop the English.

The Spanish Armada planned to attack England, but a powerful storm blew many of their ships off course. The English defeated the Armada, making it safer for English colonists to settle in America.

While the French explored and the Spanish searched for treasure, the English came to America for several different reasons.

Why the English Came to America

Click each reason to learn more. Use the information to summarize the main ideas in your organizer.