- Economic:
- Establish a profitable colony through resource extraction, such as gold and silver, and the development of cash crops like tobacco.
- Promote trade and commerce with the Native American tribes and other European settlements.
- Political:
- Extend England's territorial claims in North America and strengthen its position in the imperial competition with Spain and France.
- Exert control over the unruly elements in English society by sending religious dissidents and criminals to the colonies.
- Religious:
- Establish a Protestant colony that adhered to the principles of the Church of England and spread Christianity among the Native American population.
- Social:
- Provide opportunities for social mobility for ambitious individuals who may have limited chances for advancement in England.
Reasons for Sending People to America:
- Economic Opportunity:
- People were attracted by the promise of land ownership and the potential for wealth and prosperity in a new land.
- Religious Freedom:
- Those who faced religious persecution in England, particularly Puritans and other non-conformist Protestant sects, sought refuge and the freedom to practice their beliefs openly.
- Political Disillusionment:
- Some people who were dissatisfied with the political system or social conditions in England saw the colonies as a chance for a fresh start and a more democratic society.
- Adventure and Exploration:
- Many were drawn by the spirit of adventure and the desire to explore new lands and cultures, contributing to the fascination with the "New World."
- Transportation:
- In some cases, individuals convicted of crimes or considered socially undesirable were sent to the colonies as a form of punishment or social control.