1. The French were also interested in colonizing North America. The English wanted to control all of South America.
2. In 1497, John Cabot explored North America for England while attempting to find a route to Asia. England did not attempt further colonization for many years after this.
3. The Protestant Reformation and changes in the Church of England, including King Henry VIII breaking from the Catholic Church and forming the Church of England, contributed to economic changes and the growth of joint-stock companies in England, increasing interest in colonizing America.