Answer:
they saw it as a market. north america was a place with lots of new things, such as tobacco, silver, food, and raw materials. economically, it appeared to them as a good idea, they would have access to things they could sell. they also wanted access to the northwest passage. in addition, they would have more religious freedom in the new world, as it would allow them to worship who they please.
tldr: economic advances and the northwest passage.