New World Beginnings and The Planting of English America. Part a

In this respect, it is worth mentioning the fact that the process of colonization was very difficult and risky. In actuality, it was not an easy decision for a European to move the New World, which was practically unknown to Europeans at the epoch of the first European settlements in America. Nevertheless, many Europeans undertook risky journeys overseas to settle in the New World. Remarkably, reasons, which forced many Europeans to take such a risk and put under a threat their own life, since they could sink during the journey or die in America, were similar.

At this point, it should be said that the first efforts of Europeans to flee oversea were undertaken because of purely economic reasons, which were strongly backed up by enthusiasm of European travelers who desired not only wealth but also glory. The epoch of the great geographic discoveries, including the discovery of America, was the epoch of dramatic socioeconomic transformations in Europe. The aristocracy, which used to rule in Europe, faced a growing competition from the part of the emerging bourgeoisie, which attempted to take the leading position in the economic life of leading European countries, such as Great Britain, Spain, Portugal and others.

In such a situation, the growing competition between bourgeoisie and aristocracy put the latter into a disadvantageous position since aristocracy needed land, which was traditionally as the basis of its wealth. Therefore, aristocracy needed territorial expansion of leading European empires, including the British Empire and above all the Spanish and Portuguese Empires. At the same time, bourgeoisie also needed the colonization of new lands, but it was mainly interested not in the land proper but in the development of new trade routes, especially sea-routes which could link Europe with Asian countries, such as India and China. In fact, it was the main reason for the organization of the exploratory expedition by Christopher Columbus which led to the discovery of America.

At this point, it should be said that Europeans needed new sea-routes in the West, because of the permanent confrontation with the Ottoman Empire, which controlled Eastern trade routes. In such a way, the exploration and conquest of America was an excellent opportunities for Europeans to improve their financial position, since practically all Europeans who moved to America expected to become rich. Therefore, one of the major goals of European colonization of America was gold, which was the main value at the epoch and Europeans viewed the colonization of America as the easiest way to get gold in the no-one’s-land. In such a situation, the colonization of America became strategically important because European could exploit the natural resources, including gold, of both Americas without any serious opposition from the part of the local population.

Obviously, the colonization of America was a much easier way to prosperity of Europeans compared to the war with each other or the Ottoman Empire. In addition, many Europeans lived in poverty that urged them to flee to America where they expected starting a new, better life.