In what year did England defeat the Spanish Armada, marking the beginning of its colonization of America?

The defeat of the Spanish Armada occurred in 1588, marking a significant turning point in naval supremacy and geopolitical power in Europe. This victory allowed England to emerge as a dominant maritime power, which set the stage for its later colonization efforts in the Americas. Following the defeat, England gained greater confidence and resources, ultimately facilitating the establishment of colonies, beginning with Jamestown in 1607 and thereafter expanding its influence throughout the continent.

The other years mentioned in the choices are significant in different contexts. For example, 1492 is famously known for Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the Americas, which opened up the New World to European exploration, but England’s colonization efforts did not begin until much later. The year 1607 is noteworthy for the establishment of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America. The year 1620 is associated with the arrival of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower, another key event in early American colonization. However, the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 directly correlates with England's ascendance as a colonial power.