Why did the English establish colonies in the Americas?
Read, read, read ...
http://enewcomer.hubpages.com/hub/The-Founding-of-America-Reflections-of-Colony-Founding-Principles-in-the-1790-Naturalization-Act
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_colonization_of_the_Americas
Start here by scrolling down a bit and reading the table of contents.
http://www.mysocialstudiesclass.com/BRITISHSETTLENORTHAMERICA.pdf
b/c they wanted gold and silver and riches
The English established colonies in the Americas for various reasons, including economic, political, and social motivations. To understand why the English chose to establish colonies, you can explore these factors in more detail.
1. Economic Reasons: The English sought to establish colonies in the Americas to exploit the abundant natural resources available. They hoped to find valuable commodities such as gold, silver, and other precious metals that could bring prosperity to England. Additionally, the colonies provided a market for English goods, allowing the mother country to expand its trade networks.
2. Political Reasons: The English colonies in the Americas were seen as a way to increase England's power and influence on a global scale. By establishing colonies, England could expand its territorial claims and establish a presence in a new region. This would also provide strategic locations for naval bases and trade routes, strengthening England's military and economic power.
3. Social Reasons: Religious freedom and the desire for a fresh start were important factors in the establishment of English colonies in the Americas. Many colonists were seeking religious autonomy and escape from religious persecution in England. For example, the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth were looking for a place where they could freely practice their Puritan beliefs.
To summarize, the English established colonies in the Americas for economic gain, political dominance, and social reasons such as religious freedom. By understanding these motivations, we can gain insight into the historical context and factors driving the English colonization of the Americas.