why did john white return to england

John White returned to England primarily to seek supplies and reinforcements for the struggling Roanoke colony. The settlers pressed White to go because their food supplies were running low and they needed more settlers and resources to survive the approaching winter. White was initially reluctant to leave, worried about abandoning the colony and the security of his belongings, but he was eventually convinced for the colony's betterment. His return was delayed by several circumstances including storms, disease during the journey, and crucially, the outbreak of war with Spain and the threat of the Spanish Armada. Queen Elizabeth I commandeered all available ships for England's defense, preventing White from returning promptly. It was not until 1590 that White finally got passage back to Roanoke to find the colony deserted, with only a mysterious clue "CROATOAN" carved into a post. In summary, White returned to England to obtain necessary supplies and help for the colony, but the geopolitical tensions of the Anglo-Spanish War and maritime restrictions delayed his return to Roanoke for several years.