Question

which of the following best explains a similarity between the earliest english and french voyages across the north atlantic in the late fifteenth and sixteenth centuries?
a they succeeded despite receiving little support from their respective state governments.
b they were often launched in the hopes of finding alternative sailing routes to asia.
c they were ended after encountering violent resistance from portuguese and spanish naval forces.
d they helped convince western european monarchies to abandon mercantilist policies in favor of free - trade policies.

Explanation:

• Option A: English and French voyages received state support. For example, Henry VII of England supported John Cabot. So this option is incorrect.
• Option B: In the late 15th and 16th centuries, like the Portuguese and Spanish, the English (e.g., John Cabot) and French (e.g., Jacques Cartier) were looking for alternative routes to Asia (the “North - west Passage” was a goal). This is a valid similarity.
• Option C: There is no evidence that Portuguese and Spanish naval forces ended English and French voyages. These voyages continued and expanded over time. So this option is wrong.
• Option D: Mercantilist policies were dominant in Western Europe until the 18th - 19th centuries. Free - trade ideas (like those of Adam Smith) became more prominent later. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

B. They were often launched in the hopes of finding alternative sailing routes to Asia.