Can anyone explain why the settlers left the old world to the new world?

Question

Here are 10 things. Can anyone explain these for me?

1. Enterprise
2. Land ownership
3. equality
4. self governing by assembly
5. Rule of law
6. no nobles
7. common rights
8. factions
9. geographic differentation
10. little supervision

Answer 1

I guess closest for me would be number 3.
My ancestors came because they were being killed in Europe for being different as Mennonite Christians. They thought people should have the choice freely of being a Christian and being baptized by choice as an adult.
choice: Be burned at the stake?
choice: Go to American?
ummmmmm.

Answer 2

1. Enterprise--nations were either funding the voyages in search for more bullion and trade, or private corporations (like the Dutch East Indies Company).
2. Land ownership--it was a good chance for some second born sons to get their own land (because of primogeniture--first son inherits all)
3. Equality--many who were not in the right circles or of the landed nobility and part of the traditional power structure, saw an opportunity to get a fresh start.
4. Self governing--"Man on the spot" theory. The main nation may have prescribed the laws for the colonists, but how were they going to enforce them 3000 miles and 2 months away by boat journey?
5. Rule of Law--

6. Nobility--Many of the wealthy corporations that sent settlers were founded by wealthy nobles, but many colonies decided not to continue the practice (like George Washington, who was the wealthiest man in America but did not consider himself of the nobility).
7. Common rights--Many felt that settling would give them the opportunity to practice their religion as they saw fit (Mayflower).
8. Factions--many wanted to escape the prevailing political system, which they may have seen as unjust, corrupt, etc. etc.
9. Geographic differentiation--Many wanted to see what metals could be mined in the new areas to create wealth.
10. Little supervision--see #4.

Answer 3

Yes, for all the political correctness out there, people came to escape war, persecution, unjustified poverty, harsh class systems, authoritarian rule, and to enjoy adventure, land, beauty, health, etc. It is amazing that young people spend time learning to bash Western civilization these days instead of appreciating the good side of it-like women's rights, environmentalism, personal freedom, free speech, secularism, sexual freedom, public health care, opportunity, human rights, capitalism, much higher standards of cleanliness and anti-pollution stances, etc.

It is amazing that a country like China is glorified when it is overcrowded, dirty, highly polluted and has a high rate of illiteracy, poverty and unemployment. Many groups around the world are more prejudiced than we are--unable to accept homosexuality, different religions, different ethnicities, women's rights, etc. and adhere to a rigid class or caste system along with gender apartheid, segregation and extreme poverty.

They are ruled by tribalism. Because we have adopted this view that Western culture is inferior to other cultures which are (because of cultural relativism) automatically good equivalents, we can't criticize. Look at Europe. The Left and the EU have glorified every aspect of Islamic fundamentalism because of their stances on culture and integration. I am not against race or religion--that's not my point-but clearly the justification of every cultural extreme in the name of culture prevents immigrants from integrating-and pretending otherwise is dishonest.

Answer 4

I wonder what is on the other side of the fence/mountain/sea/galaxy? It sure does look a bit better over there.

Not sure why you would want all 10 of those explained, most of them are fairly self evident.

Answer 5

None of the above
they were trying to get to India, looking for herbs & spices, well I guess #1

Answer 6

hot hispanic women?