Respuesta :

Answer: They served as a catalyst/motivation for England's colonization.

Explanation: Spain, who found the Americas first with Columbus' expedition, colonized the Americas first and became VERY wealthy in gold, land, and resources. This elevated Spain's power, economy, and status in Europe which the English didn't like. In order to compete with Spain and get rich too, England began colonizing. Without Spain and Columbus (and Spain's emphasis on exploration), the New World would not have been discovered and England would not have joined the colonization craze.