During the 17 th century many people left England to come to the “New World” for a variety of reasons, most commonly seeking money or freedom of religion. Therefore it is not possible to provide a single answer to the question of why English colonized North America. (Throughout the New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies the same two main reasons for coming to North America emerge. ) Each of the colonies has a little more emphasis on either money or religious freedom. For example the people of Rhode Island, founded by Williams in 1636, fled religious persecution.
As opposed to those of New York, founded by Hudson originally in 1613, who came to get rich. However these are not the only reasons for the settlement of the colonies they are the most prevalent. People settling in the New England colonies from about 1620-1640 had their emphasis on religious freedom. They “wanted to keep their family units together and practice their own religion.” (american history. about. com) This quote says it all, they just wanted to keep their families close and have total freedom to practice their chosen religion.
The people in the New England colonies, specifically Rhode Island, were fleeing religious persecution they were not coming for the money as much as some of the people in the other colonies. The Middle colonies (settled between 1610-1685) received those settlers who where coming for both the freedom of religion and the money. They “were looking to practice their own religion (Pennsylvania mainly) or to make money.” (american history. about. com) Again this quote perfectly articulates the point that is being proven. With the middle colonies the point being that they were torn between the money and the religious freedom.
The Essay on Organized Religion People Religious Religions
Organized Religion Ever since man has chosen to write down his history, organized religion has been a prominent topic and has influenced and shaped all people's lives. There have always been believers and non-believers. Since the beginning, non-believers have been persecuted by inquisitions, prosecuted by witch trials, and murdered by stoning and crucifying for even questioning the "truth" about a ...
Lastly the Southern colonies (settled between 1600-1735) had a majority of people who sought money. With the exception of Georgia, who were seeking to protect the Carolinas from Spain, the rest were after the money in plantations. This all is summed up in a quote that states “The founders of the Southern colonies were, for the most part, out to make money.” (american history. about. com) That’s about all that, in this aspect, can be said about the Southern colonies. In conclusion it has been proven that no, it is not possible to provide a single answer to the question of why the English colonized North America in the 17 th century.
Be it that people left for money in gold, (they were told they would find it in the “new world”) money in crops or religious freedom, people all came to North America for different reasons. Thus making it virtually impossible to provide a single answer to the question.
