“To found a great Empire for the sole purpose of raising up a people of customers, may, at first sight, appear a project fit only for a nation of shopkeepers. It is, however, a project altogether unfit for a nation of shopkeepers, but extremely fit for a nation whose government is influenced by shopkeepers. Such statesmen, and such statesmen only, are capable of fancying that they find some advantage in employing the blood and treasure of their fellow-citizens to found and maintain such an empire.”
Adam Smith, c. 1723-1790, Scottish Economist, Author and Philosopher
Introduction
The British exploration of the New World was driven by a desire to expand trade throughout the world. This proliferation of trade and general economic progress manifested itself through the sugar and logging industries, changing economic theory and the transatlantic slave trade. The New World served as a bountiful resource that benefited the British Empire both politically and economically. In addition, the New World introduced the British to a multitude of new races, natural resources, scientific advancements, but most importantly, new trade routes.
During the 18th century the British maintained the 13 colonies on the East Coast of what is now the United States and also in the islands south of that region, which are generally referred to as the West Indies. Discovery of what is now North America occurred in 1492 when Christopher Columbus discovered the region while looking for alternate trade routes to the Far East. Instead, he found the West Indies. Spain and Portugal were the first to explore the Western Hemisphere, primarily in areas that are now part of South America. However, England and France, not wanting to fall behind in trade, followed suit by sending colonists and explorers to areas in North America. The first American settlement was in Roanoke, but failed after one very hard winter. The first settlement to succeed was at Jamestown, Virginia.
New World pages created by Liz Roberts and Tom Karbowski
December 2003