Sir Walter Raleigh was a prominent figure in England's Age of Discovery. He sponsored expeditions to the New World, including the Roanoke Colony. His influence was shaped by various factors, including political support, economic interests, social ambitions, and religious motivations.

Source A: A historical overview of Raleigh's expeditions

'Raleigh's endeavors were driven by a mix of personal ambition, royal favor, and economic opportunity, which made him a key player in England's expansion overseas.' Provenance: 20th-century history textbook.

Source B: A letter from Raleigh describing his ambitions 'To serve my country and bring glory to England, I am committed to discovering new lands and establishing trade routes.' Provenance: Raleigh's personal correspondence, 1584.

Historian View:

'Raleigh's efforts were largely influenced by the economic opportunities presented by new colonies and trade, as well as the desire to compete with Spain and Portugal.' - Dr. Jane Smith, historian.

Students will now evaluate the significance of each factor.

Question: **Which factor do you think was the most significant in Raleigh's success in exploration? Rank the following factors in order of importance: Political support, Economic opportunity, Religious motives, Personal ambition. Justify your ranking with evidence from the sources and your knowledge.

To conclude, consider how the different factors interacted to make Raleigh a significant figure in exploration.

Question: Write a brief paragraph explaining how political, economic, social, and religious factors combined to influence Raleigh's exploration efforts.