English Colonization

America is the most prevailing and dominant country of recent history. Much of America's success today can be attributed to the early settlements formed here by England. America had been explored and exploited by multiple countries before England finally got colonization and advancement right. The lack of English government intervention, the treatment of local Native Americans, and the location of settlements produced rapid establishment of a thriving Western culture on the continent.

The English took a different approach to colonizing America compared to the previous settlers. Instead of government-funded exploration like the Spanish, the English colonization was started by a joint-stock company. James I chartered the Virginia Company. The Virginia Company was a group of stockholders who invested in hope to get rich from gold, wine, citrus fruits, olive oil, pitch, tar, potash, and other forest products needed for naval use. Owners of the joint-stock company appointed intelligent leaders. More joint-stock companies then arose to fund the further colonization of America. Another difference was that the English welcomed all in to their colonies, which included felons, members of the lowest classes, and foreigners. In contrast, Spanish settlers either destroyed or tried to convert foreigners.

In the past, Spanish and French explorations were ruled by their home country. The centralized control imposed by the monarchs of Spain and France hindered innovation and responsiveness to changing surroundings and situations. It was almost impossible to rule their colonies from across the ocean, so the English granted the colonies the right of their own government. The governments being located in the Americas allowed for fast responsiveness to new challenges.

Another excellent tactic to improve English colonization was the "headright" policy. This policy stated that any man that could transport himself to Virginia, could have fifty acres, and fifty more for any servants he may send or bring. The headright policy encouraged more and more settlers to travel to America. The more the English invested in America, the more they received in return.

English settlers also diverged significantly from the Spanish emphasis on conquest and conversion. Spanish conquistadors believed in conquering and vanquishing all that they encountered, whereas the English embraced the Native Americans. Although English treatment was not always fair, it was always clever. If the English intended