Motive behind Colonization in North America

Introduction

Starting in the 15th century, at the beginning of what is referred to as the European age of exploration, a number of European nations developed oceangoing ships and began seeking new trade routes to the East. There resulted from their wide-ranging maritime voyages a new understanding of world geography, including the extent of Africa and the existence of the Americas between Europe and Asia. Numerous colonies were founded in the years to come, many as trading posts but others evolving into or founded as permanent settlements: by the Portuguese in Africa, Asia, and South America in ...