HST 121: History of the United States to 1877

Origins of the Colonies

Why was English America established? How did the economics of the time aid in this effort? Who came over, why, and how?

I. Reasons for the English government to colonize

A. International competition

B. Economics: Mercantilism

1. Protective Tariffs 

2. Navigation Acts

C. Gains from colonization

1. Raw goods (timber, tobacco, sugar)

2. Market for English finished goods

3. Increase shipping

II. Reasons for colonists to come over

A. Motivation

1 . Majority: Economic opportunity

2. Minority: Religion (Puritans, Separatists, Quakers)

B. Government encouragement

1. Land

2. Common Law

3 . Military protection

III. Colonists

A. Who?

1. Majority: single, young, unemployed

2. Minority: families selling out in Europe

B. How did they come over?

1. Majority: indentured servants

2. Minority: paid their way