European Settlement by the Early

European Settlement By the early 17th century Europeans, from many nations, had been exploring North America for decades. Conflict among the great powers for dominance in Europe had existed for centuries and these rivalries spread to the new world as well. A race to control the virgin continent and its potential riches developed. The general knowledge gained from previous ventures and scientific advancements in ship-building and navigation over the century prompted England to establish a permanent presence on the eastern seaboard of the continent.

There were several reasons England was interested in such an undertaking and why individuals would accept the risks and hardships that would surely have to be endured. The motivations most often encountered were either religious economic or self- preservation/military. Few people were willing to leave behind ail they had ever known to settle so far from civilization for only one reason. But most did have a central driving force.

Although not the first English to settle in North America, those who arrived on the Mayflower are the best example of colonists whose motivation was mainly religious. They were Christian separatists, known as Puritans, who were at odds with the Anglican Church. In their view Church and State had become intertwined in a mix of corruption, greed and abuse of power that was becoming increasingly intolerable.

After a brief attempt to establish their own community in Holland, where the culture was more religiously tolerant, the Puritans felt they were losing their own religious identity. They began to contemplate a resettlement to North America where they could design a society from scratch and establish "A city on a hill" that would be an example to all (Polk 2006, 125). They would be better able to pursue perfection, "So that we shall see much more of his wisdom, power, goodness and truth, than formerly we have been acquainted with" (Winthrop 1630).

As their early struggles for survival in the new land began to improve a sense of relative confidence developed. Other groups also seeking religious freedom soon followed. As these new arrivals tried to settle into their new communities' religious animosities soon surfaced again. Many who felt unwelcomed would again relocate from their original new world destination to found new communities of their own. Communities of Puritans, Protestants, Calvinists, Quakers, Shakers and other Christian denominations were soon found scattered throughout the colonies.

Along with the religious reasons for migrating there were economic factors that prompted others to cross the Atlantic. The majority of people journeying to North America did not have the means to fond or undertake this type of costly endeavor on their own. Great expense was paid to obtain a seaworthy vessel, hiring a crew, purchasing food and supplies for the long crossing and everything else necessary to establish a town and survive until they could become self-sufficient.

"Sponsorship and funds had to come from moneyed men serving their own interests" (Fumas 1969, 23). In most cases they would have to find someone to act as a sponsor willing to take a huge financial risk. This usually meant either wealthy merchants, noblemen or the monarchy itself. Someone with a common interest and financial resources was needed. They would supply the capital for the venture and, in exchange, would receive a percentage of any profits generated as the settlement matured. It was a high risk, high reward gamble on everyone's part.

England, like many other countries in Europe at the time, was experiencing a population boom and many of its cities were overwhelmed with overcrowded slums, racked with disease, the poor and teeming with criminals. "Some also do grudge at the great increase of people in these days, thinking a necessary brood of cattle far better than a superfluous augmentation of mankind" (Harrison 1586). One way to ease the situation was to induce or force some to settle in the new territories.

They would become the workforce in the colonies and reduce the problem back home at the same time. "These petty thieves might be condemned for certain years in the western parties" as indentured servants to provide hard labor and menial tasks (Hakluyt 1584). This was not only an attractive concept for the privileged classes but also for many of the poor or disadvantaged. In the society they left behind they had little hope of ever improving their circumstances.

The hardships and threats they would face in the new world were worth the risk for the chance to improve their condition. Many, however, regretted making the journey. "Oh that they were in England without their limbs -- and would not care to lose any limb again to be in England" (Frethorne 1623). Simply put, many would give their left arm to be back in England again. England's traditional rivals had been exploring the continent for more than a hundred years by the time Jamestown was founded.

Italian, French, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish explorers had all attempted to dominate North America. These powers each had their own interests in the new world. For some they were religious in nature. Others were seeking riches. It was usually a combination of both to some degree. The most prominent enemy of England's was Spain with her mighty navy. Seeking to establish trade networks and Catholicism among the natives were primary goals.

If England had not endeavored to establish a presence on the continent it would have been reduced to second rate status in time. Among the powers vying for control, whoever succeeded would become master for the foreseeable future. Christopher Columbus's voyage to America in 1492 marked.