APUSH

What happened to Spain that ended their rule as the biggest baddest European country? What new country is going to emerge as the leaders of the new world

Spain, after a defeat from England, signed a peace treaty that allowed the excited English to begin colonization, and the deflated Spanish stopped expanding their empire. England then emerged as a leader of the New World.

Explanation:

The conflict between Catholic Spain and Protestant English increased with the coronation of English queen Elizabeth I. When the English ships defeated the attacking Spanish Armada, Spain's excitement to explore dampened and England's brightened. The two countries later signed a treaty of peace and England started launching its American colonies along the east coast.