Elizabeth's American policy emphasized which combination of actions?

• A. Raids on Spanish colonies and renewed exploration
• B. Establishing a strong alliance with Spain
• C. Imposing heavy taxes on colonists in Virginia
• D. Isolation from global competition

Answer: (A)

Elizabeth I’s American approach mixed aggressive action against Spain with encouragement of English exploration and colonization. By backing and tacitly sanctioning privateering and raids on Spanish colonies and treasure fleets, England challenged Spain’s New World dominance and chipped away at its wealth and power in the Atlantic. At the same time, she promoted voyages and settlement efforts that would extend English influence in the Americas, laying groundwork for future colonies. This combination—attacking Spanish interests while pushing for exploration and expansion—best fits the described policy. The other options don’t align with this approach: aligning with Spain would contradict England’s anti-Spanish stance, taxing Virginia’s colonists isn’t part of Elizabeth’s Atlantic strategy, and withdrawing from global competition would ignore the push to contest Spain’s dominance.