The Colonizing of America

By 1650, England had established a dominant presence on the Atlantic coast, later known as the 13 colonies. The first of which was founded in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607. The Colonies helped Great Britain expand in terms of resources and power. Many European nations came to the Americas to increase their wealth and broaden their influence over global matters. This included countries like France, Spain, and Britain.

"For thousands of years, North America was populated mainly by Native Americans and was mostly unknown to Europe."
~ Ben's Guide, service of the Government Publishing Office

Antique Image: Map Of Early America, Posted by Lydia Jacobs, date unknown

Europeans that traveled to the 13 Colonies did so because of numerous reasons. Some sought religious freedom and desired a new start due to unstable and unjust governments in their countries of origin, and others wanted to make a profit. More than 90% of Americans lived as farmers, though certain seaports flourished as well. Several well-paying jobs were widespread throughout the colonies, one was being a wigmaker, although the trade didn’t last long, and a drugstore owner who sometimes doubled as a physician.

Farmers in the 17th Century, unknown time in the 17th century, Weebly

Interior of a wigmaker's shop, Art du perruquier, 1761, Rodama

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