Settling in North America
The colonization of North America by the British Empire following the voyages led by Christopher Columbus during the late 15th century has notable economic and political characteristics. The British Empire saw North America as a resource-rich continent that is highly instrumental in expanding their economic activities. Given the initial failures to establish colonies and the rivalling Dutch, French and Spanish imperial forces in North America, the British Empire turned to joint stock companies for establishing settlements. Key to the operation of joint stock companies is the independent leadership exerted by the Proprietary Governors and the practice of mercantilism. Both the ...