Before England could settle the New World, it needed a Middle Class to fund private settlements and a millitary to protect those investments. Although the Spanish had a hundred year head start the English would in turn dominate the New World. This was all set in motion by King Henry VIII's Act of Supremacy. King Henry VIII broke from the Cathloc Church because he wanted a divorce. While leaving he seized wealth by taking 1/4 of …showed first 75 words of 333 total…

…showed last 75 words of 333 total…the new world. One promblem was the spanish controlled the seas. England competed with Spain for the seas. Power hungry Prince Phillip II of Spain wanted more. In a hope to increase power he proposed to Queen Elizabeth. Once again the Queen said "no." Outraged King Phillip sent his fleet the Armada to attack England. However the smaller ships of England destroyed the armada in 1588. Now England had the sea controll for the next 400 years.