Here in this question, Spain and England sought to colonize the Pacific Coast, similar objective hence they both wanted the same thing, hence the both “competed” for it.
Now however suggests a contrast to the previous idea. They (Spanish and English) wanted it however couldn’t achieve it(this is just what i’m going with becos of the logic). So as per this logic, neither Spanish could achieve that nor the English. i.e the Spanish Empire was “falling”. The word “and” suggesting the same idea for blank 3(the English also couldn’t colonize it it) and the prospects of the English Empire looked “weak”.
So as per this logic i went with C,F,H
but the answer is C,F,G. Can any1 please explain why the 3rd blank suggests it was favorable for the English. Here i thought “and” suggests the same idea for blanks 2 & 3. Does the “and” mean otherwise
Apple and orange are both fruits. However, apple is sweet and orange is bitter.
Hope this helps
Imagine in a boxing match, that you only play defensive until the opponent starts tiring. Isn’t it the time that you see the ray of hope? Isn’t it the time that you start thinking of attacking him back? Isn’t it the time that you become optimist? The story here works the same way. According to your answer F, when Spain starts faltering, Britain started to feel propitious, which is basically optimism. Hope it answers. If you want to thank somebody, thank Atom from Real Steel 
this was a phenomenal comparison. thank you