Why were colonies considered so important to Europe around the the 16 century?

Answer 1

Most European countries, including England, made it a habit of founding colonies for the purpose of stripping raw materials from distant regions in order to send them back to Europe. Those raw materials were then processed by facilities in Europe into finished goods, contributing further to the expansion of their economies. They saw it as a road to vast prosperity at very little investment expense.

Answer 2

Because they provided a great variety of goods that were then traded in Europe and kept the economies in good shape.
Many Portuguese and Spanish merchants became rich and powerful; and the colonies also helped Europe to say goodbye to the Dark Ages for good.
And some other reasons too.

Answer 3

They, France & England also Spain farther South. Wanted to claim it because of the rumors of gold or the El Doredo. Then they found out they could trade trinkets and metal pots, knives and what not to the Ancestors for beaver and other hides. Making themselves a killing, then used them to fight on each others side for land. Where
they grew tobacco and cotton. Not sure how many colonies there were though in the 1500's. That is the 16th Century.

Answer 4

One reason was money. It was considered important to have the financial ability to dominate other European nations, and the freedom not to be dominated by them. Let's face it--it was true. After Spain established itself in the Americas and started looting the gold and other resources out of the place, all other nations would have been at its mercy had they not followed suit.

Another reason was religion. There was a huge debate in the Vatican regarding whether Aboriginal people had souls and, once it was decided that they did, people believed it was necessary to convert them to Christianity for their own salvation. Sadly, many people (not just Christians) still think this way. So do a lot of Muslim folk.

The third reason was civilization. People considered, in all honesty, that their culture was "better' than anyone else's--a lot of people still think that way--and it was a responsibility to ensure that foreign people derived the benefit of the 'superior" culture.

Rudyard Kipling talked about that in the 19th century, calling the concept "The White Man's Burden".

It's not fair to judge people from history by the criteria we apply to ourselves today. I like to think we have learned some things and know better, but I often wonder about that.

Answer 5

Gold
Furs
Tobacco (Sir Frances Drake brought it to Queen Eliz first)
Spices
Teak, Ebony, Sugar
New land for future
Wood (Europe was running out tall trees for masts)

Answer 6

There was new land and minerals and people and possiblities and so Europe wanted the chance to get all of those things.

Answer 7

Two words: wealth and power.

Answer 8

to rid themselves of "non-desirables" that were problems in a town or community.

Answer 9

Hi...

To prosper!!