English Colonialism: Questions: The Reasons For English Imperialism

A. Explain the reasons for English Colonization by doing the Following:
A1. Discuss the political motivations for English Imperialism. The main political motivation for English Imperialism was due to the rivalries with its European Counterparts. Initially, European countries were looking for a water passage to China so they would be able to trade for their goods. Spain, who lead the charge, landed in Central and South America, captured gold and silver. From this the Spain were able to grow their army and hence, their political power. Next in line were the France who landed in North America and discovered the land to be ripe with animal pelts which brought great wealth to the French. The Dutch had found the same success as the France.

The English Monarch, at the time, wanted power over religion and sought total control. With this goal, practicing other religions, outside the Church of England, punishable by law. Many English wasted to continue practicing their religions, and America offered the potential to do so without the threat of English law.

B. Describe the economic systems, social characteristics and political systems of the following colonies.
Massachusetts
Economic System: The economy in the region was mainly subsistence farming and drove local sales. Trades were inherited from the preceding parental generation. Slaver was also a means for production in the area although most production was family labor. Social Characteristics: Families were large in Massachusetts, people lived longer and there were many families. Many small local communities existed with small schools and churches. Church attendance was mandatory, and people were forced to be Puritan. There was zero religious tolerance in the community. Political System: Massachusetts originally had a governing body called the General Court which was assembled by the original joint-stock company. This was eventually altered into a legislature for the established colony and gradually became a 2 house legislature. Voters were adult male church going property owners within the

This Act required Taxed Stamps to be placed on printed materials. These stamps had to be purchased using the British sterling coin, which was not prevalent in the colonies. Colonist saw the pitfalls of this act and began to seek equal liberty with British Parliament. Not yet seeking independence, the colonist wanted British leaders to rethink how government worked. Opposition continued to rise as these ideals were rejected by Royal Rule. Demonstrations opposing this legislation took place one of which being the burning of an effigy of the stamp distributor, Andrew Oliver and his home being vandalized. Eventually a group b the name “Sons of Liberty” formed to help influence protesting events. Finally, Parliament had repealed the Stamp Act, however, it was directly linked to the passage of the Declaratory Act. This stamp act was central to the American Revolution because it was the first collective from the Colonies to oppose Parliament, and was the direct linkage to future taxation against the Americas, thanks to the Declaratory Act, that would push the Colonies to