Why didn't the French build many permanent settlements

As far as England was concerned, they were pretty much a backwater for much of the early modern period. They were a tiny and weak nation, going through lots of religious turmoil and government reforms in the 16th century.

Spain, on the other hand, had a pretty consolidated government and cash to spend on exploration and colonization. It also helped that Spain, Portugal, and the Pope got together and split the new world up between the two Catholic nations, essentially giving them a sort of right-of-way pass in the eyes of Catholic Europe.

England finally wraps up their internal reformations, and emerges a pretty solidly organized Protestant nation. Elizabeth I get excommunicated, making war against England open season for any interested Catholic country. England is still a 2nd rate power at this point, and simply cannot challenge the existing Colonial powers.

Spain eventually declares war, angry about the actions of English privateers in the Caribbean. The 1588 defeat of the Spanish Armada by the English changed everything. All of a sudden, England's on the world stage as a major naval power. Now they can support and defend a colonial effort. Ireland will be their first (and interestingly enough most profitable) colony for another hundred years, but the door's suddenly open and English colonies in North America start popping up.

Hope this helps!

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