Competition for resources and trade:
* Land: Both the Dutch and Spanish had established colonies in North America, claiming vast swathes of land that the English also desired. This led to direct territorial conflicts, such as the Anglo-Dutch Wars and the struggle for control of the Hudson Valley.
* Trade: The Dutch controlled a lucrative trade network in the fur trade, using the Hudson River and its tributaries to transport pelts to Europe. The English, eager to tap into this lucrative market, sought to displace the Dutch and control the trade themselves.
* Resources: Both the Spanish and Dutch extracted valuable resources from their colonies, including gold, silver, and timber, which the English coveted. They saw these colonies as a potential source of wealth and power.
Religious and cultural differences:
* Religious intolerance: The English were largely Protestant, while the Spanish were Catholic and the Dutch were primarily Calvinist. These religious differences fueled animosity and fueled the idea of a "Protestant" America free from Catholic influence.
* Cultural clashes: The English saw the Spanish as cruel and oppressive towards native populations, while they viewed the Dutch as more pragmatic and less interested in imposing their culture on native communities. This led to tensions and conflict, particularly in the fight for control of the fur trade.
Strategic considerations:
* Military threat: The Spanish, with their powerful navy and extensive colonial empire, were seen as a potential military threat to English colonies. The English feared Spanish expansion into the North American interior and sought to prevent them from gaining control of strategic locations.
* Geopolitical rivalry: The Dutch and Spanish were major European powers with global ambitions. The English saw the need to counter their influence in America to ensure their own dominance in the region.
In conclusion:
The English saw the Dutch and Spanish as threats to their ambitions in America due to competition for resources, trade routes, and territory. They also viewed them as rivals in the broader context of European power dynamics and religious differences. This led to constant conflict and competition, ultimately shaping the course of American history.