The European colonization of the Americas was the process by which European settlers populated the regions of North, Central, South America, and the islands of the Caribbean . It is also recognized as the direct cause for the cultures of the various indigenous people of those regions being replaced and often eradicated.
Why did Europe colonize the Americas?
Colonial America (1492-1763) European nations came to the Americas to increase their wealth and broaden their influence over world affairs . ... Many of the people who settled in the New World came to escape religious persecution. The Pilgrims, founders of Plymouth, Massachusetts, arrived in 1620.
What is European colonization?
European colonialism and colonization was the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over other societies and territories , founding a colony, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
What was a major result of the European colonization of the Americas?
Perhaps European colonization’s single greatest impact on the North American environment was the introduction of disease . Microbes to which native inhabitants had no immunity led to death everywhere Europeans settled. ... In the 1630s, half the Huron and Iroquois around the Great Lakes died of smallpox.
What was the purpose of European colonization?
The purpose of colonization was to serve as a source of inexpensive labor and natural resources . The outcome of these colonies was never intended, culture development. This led to large trade enterprises and economical benefits for colonial powers.
What was North America like before European colonization?
Pre-Columbian era
Before contact with Europeans, the indigenous peoples of North America were divided into many different polities , from small bands of a few families to large empires. They lived in numerous culture areas, which roughly correspond to geographic and biological zones.
Who was the first European to come to America?
Leif Eriksson Day commemorates the Norse explorer believed to have led the first European expedition to North America.
What are some effects of European colonization?
Overview. Colonization ruptured many ecosystems, bringing in new organisms while eliminating others . The Europeans brought many diseases with them that decimated Native American populations. Colonists and Native Americans alike looked to new plants as possible medicinal resources.
What are 3 reasons for colonization?
Historians generally recognize three motives for European exploration and colonization in the New World: God, gold, and glory .
Which European country colonized the most?
England Established Permanent Colonies
England had the most success of all the European countries colonizing other lands.
What would have happened if the Americas were never colonized?
If Europeans never colonized and invaded America, the native nations and tribes would continue to interact in trade . ... Eventually, trade with East Asia and Europe would introduce new technologies and animals into the continent and tribes would quickly grow into nations.
Who actually found America?
Five hundred years before Columbus, a daring band of Vikings led by Leif Eriksson set foot in North America and established a settlement. And long before that, some scholars say, the Americas seem to have been visited by seafaring travelers from China, and possibly by visitors from Africa and even Ice Age Europe.
How did Native American resist European colonization?
Whether through diplomacy, war, or even alliances, Native American efforts to resist European encroachment further into their lands were often unsuccessful in the colonial era. ... They resisted the efforts of the Europeans to gain more of their land and control through both warfare and diplomacy .
What are four reasons for colonization?
They came to the Americas to escape poverty, warfare, political turmoil, famine and disease . They believed colonial life offered new opportunities.
Which countries colonized America?
Britain, France, Spain, and the Netherlands established colonies in North America.
Why was England behind in colonization?
◦ England wanted to start an American colony to increase their wealth and power so that they could compete with other European countries like Spain and France. ◦ They were hoping to be able to find silver and gold in America. (This would help increase their wealth!)
