The colonial era

"To the explorer or colonist of the 16th and 17th centuries, North America was a vast and uncharted land. The continent appeared to European eyes - blind to the claims of the Native Americans who, to varying degrees of density, inhabited the entire continent - as an open field to claim, to exploit, and to settle. Once permanent settlements were established, early colonists lived in a culturally diverse society where interaction with different groups was key to survival and growth.

The allure of a fresh start, the promise of freedom, and the prospect of riches drew many Europeans to the North American colonies. The investors and colonists involved in early ventures to settle North America were as varied as their motives and frequently conflicting goals. Nearly all of them, however, greatly underestimated how much European support - and human struggle - would be required before colonies could flourish in the New World."--BOOK JACKET.