The English were latecomers to the imperial contest in 1600. The main social pressures for the English to colonize North American were related to economic and religious pressures. There was great economic opportunities in North America. It had fertile land, temperate climate, and the ability to possibly grow valuable crops. There was also an expectation that they would find gold which generated economic activity. A great many of the colonists were from families of poverty which pushed the want to colonize North America. Individuals wanted to own land which was in scarce supply in Europe. They wanted to enjoy a better living than Europe could offer them. Also, many of the colonists were part of the Christian minority groups such as Puritans
