Comparison Of Empires Essay Research Paper Comparison

Comparison Of Empires Essay, Research Paper

Comparison of Empires

Throughout the colonization of the New World, many different countries took place in the shaping of early America. The primary countries, Spain, France, and England, although all from the same continent, implemented many different plans and ideas for the development of their colonies. Contrasting cultures, languages, and governments all impacted the distinct ruling of the colonies. These policies placed restrictions on the all aspects of life including war, taxation, and mercantilism. Each different country also varied in the methods they chose to institute upon encountering the natives. These relationships were very important for the survival of the settlers from abroad. The determining factor of the success or failure of the new lands was mainly dependent on the governing of the mother country and therefore the quality of these laws was vital as history so often proves. The degree of restrictions the homeland placed on the New World also greatly impacted their survival. Because of these crucial factors, each land faced numerous hardships and had different outcomes.

Clearly, the most infamous country for development and immigration of the New World is England. Under the rule of the English monarchy, these Europeans developed their settlements with very particular economic and social classifications. Since the king held the ultimate source of legal authority in the colonies, the laws implemented in the areas of trade and mercantilism reflected the desire to profit from the new lands. The mother country ..staggered on the brink of economic chaos.(Hoffer, 128) and began importing staple North American resources. Natural resources like wood and fuel, plentiful in the New World, but needed much replenishing in England, were expunged to the mother country. Crops, such as the Caribbean type of tobacco exported by John Rolfe, and indigo, essential to the development of the southern colonies, caused English.s colonies to flourish. The New World also provided ..homelands for the immigrants.(Hoffer, 138). Migration from the mother country could not only provide the settlers with homes, but ..warehouses for surplus population.(Hoffer, 138). The varying types of colonies this country developed contributed to its success. Virginia, which started as a royal colony, and Maryland and New York, proprietary colonies, are examples of this. From the conquering of the lands in Ireland, the English felt that people who did not develop their natural resources had no claim to the land. This view justified the seizing of the native.s land. The native people often roamed the country for their survival, and the Europeans claimed ownership.

Not only did the economic motives of the English lead to the success of the colonies, but also the large amounts of settlers that came to the New World for a variety of reasons. The tales of explorers, such as John Smith, who told of the riches and prosperity that could be gained from the voyage lured people into the belief that this fruitful new land could make them money, easily and quickly. Once there, many factors proved that there were actually many hardships to overcome. Indians were one of these hardships. Viewed as noble savages, crafty, yet cowardly, they were nomads that scoured the land and maintained no set place of residence. Because of the greatly differing cultures, beliefs, and levels of civilization the interaction between the groups caused many conflicts such as the Yamasee War. Interracial marriage quickly became a hot issue for the English in the New World. Although this rarely took place, the topic remained present. Religion, another social issue amongst the people of the colonies, caused many divisions. The belief of a person was often a key factor as to the area in which that person lived. The Puritans claiming the Massachusetts Bay Colony is a good example of this. Women, now engaging in more important roles in the New World, differed from the role passive they had in their home country. Their contribution was so essential that ..without the contribution of women, farms would fail.(Hoffer, 416).

Upon arriving in the New World, the many influences greatly impacted the English.s beliefs in their view of this new land. Belief in the literal Bible and Manifest Destiny exemplify the thinking of people during this period of settlement. The settlers compared themselves to the children of Egypt in Israel who fled the city and their homes to go forth into the wilderness. From this, they felt the world was watching and judging their success, so they worked very hard to maintain stability. This .City on a Hill. mentality can still be seen in our society today. Deuteronomy, the belief that the people were blessed by God in special ways to succeed, rationalized the word of paradox for the settlers. Another belief that is still present today is the principles of individual freedom. John Locke created a social contract theory that stated men have certain rights in the state of nature, including the right to life, liberty, and property. These views greatly impacted the development of the colonies.

Although the king maintained the ultimate rule over the Kingdom, as argued by Edward Coke, the colonies established their own form of government. Using religion as their primary guide, New England Law and Mosaic Law grows out of experiences in Europe, which are