British Colonization

Total words: 708

Current rating for this essay is: 10

During the sixteenth and seventeenth century, both Spain and England started colonizing in the New World. The Spanish conquistadors started colonizing in the New World once Columbus discovered the unknown continent, which was assumed to be India. As for the English colonists, the defeat of the Spanish Armada brought lots of pride and confidence to them. Both the Spanish and the English were motivated in one way or another to take a giant step forward and expand their empire, which eventually impacted the Native Americans already living in America.

The Spaniards became very interested in the new land that the Italian sailor, Christopher Columbus, had discovered. This new discovery amazed most explorers because of the vast variety of crops that grew there. After looking at what the New World had to offer, the Spaniards became motivated to take their own fleets of people and settle there. Just as any country would do, Spain was head over heals for the riches that were in the new world. All throughout the 1500s Spain sent its explorers to the American continent to search around. All the goods brought back home from the expeditions attracted the Spanish to conquest the New World. Crops such as tobacco, maize, potato, beans, and tomatoes were all new to the European diet and were definitely bound to help the economy strive. This made them more eager to go to the New World. The Europeans were so fond of the New World crops that they introduced some of their own to the inhabitants of the misnamed India, of modern day America. Food was an important contribution from the Indians, because since it was an important supplement in a normal person's diet, it was extremely necessary. As Hernan Cortes stated, the Spaniard's conquest was mainly based on gold. The Spanish settlements in the New World began to spread quickly. More colonists from Europe kept coming to the New World making the Spanish ahead of the English in settlement.

On the other hand, English colonists were in some need to colonize along with the fact that they wanted to. They started colonizing in the beginning of the 17th century. The English defeated the Spanish Armada, which gave them confidence and they also received naval dominance. Receiving naval dominance was an important factor because the English were now able to secure seaports and get to the New World easier. The English colonists' main inspiration to colonize, was their curiosity. They wanted to know more about the unknown continent of America. Coincidentally, the population in England was rising tremendously, and England was in desperate need to colonize. Once England and Spain signed a peace treaty in 1604, England immediately stepped forward towards colonizing because it became a little easier. Religious freedom was deeply wanted by the residents of England. On the eve of starting a new empire, England had pretty much the same characteristics as Spain did.

England and Spain were two major countries involved in colonizing. They greatly effected the Indians living in America. When Europeans arrived in America they brought many germs and diseases, which spread really fast. Since the Indians weren't immune to the diseases about 90 percent of their population died out. Smallpox, malaria, and yellow fever were the most common killers. The remaining Indians were isolated from the colonists, and lo and behold the diseases disappeared. The Native American population was depressed because of so many deaths. However, they did get revenge but unintentionally. The Indians infected the explorers with syphilis but weren't aware of it. The Native American culture and ancient way of life was totally wiped out because the majority of them died.

Throughout the history of America, the establishment of the thirteen colonies was very important. The thirteen colonies only started from the bottom and made their way to the top. Spain and England were two major factors in this tale of how the colonies came about. Both Spain and England were inspired somehow or another to come to the American continent and start a new life by colonization and conquest. The English and Spanish founded a few of the original thirteen colonies. Today, the thirteen colonies, no longer known by that name, are a major part of the establishment of the United States of America.