Why Did England Win The Settlement Of Spain In The 18th Century

The main reasons England won this struggle was because of the sudden downfall of the Spanish Empire, and England’s successful establishment of its colonies. Throughout the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, Spain maintained an impressive hold on American territory. As The American Pageant describes, they had attained a “sprawling empire from California to Florida to Tierra del Fuego”. Perhaps contributing to their success, the Spanish blended their culture with the Native Americans through marriage. This would eliminate the threat of the same battles the English would soon encounter. Another factor that undoubtedly gave Spain an edge was that England and Spain were allies for the first half of the 16th century, meaning the English were completely disinterested in challenging Spain’s growing authority on the American continents. However, England’s content wouldn’t last forever. Unrest began to brew when English “sea dogs”, or pirates, initiated a series of raiding and looting sessions on Spanish settlements. Contrary to what Spain may’ve expected, Queen Elizabeth condoned these acts, even
Just as the newly founded colony nearly crumbled, Captain John Smith—a young explorer—took over and restored order. However, the settlers continued to sicken and starve to death, and only 60 out of the original 400 colonists survived the winter. The following spring of 1610, Lord De La Warr was deemed the new governor. De La Warr hastily declared war against local Indians, consequently starting the first Anglo-Powhatan conflict the colony had faced. Although a short period of peace ensued following the first war’s agreement in 1614, the settlers and Indians fought again three decades later. The Powhatan Indians experienced their second defeat against the English colonists. As The American Pageant explains, the Indians unfortunately fell victim to “disease, disorganization, and