Major Issues in Colonization: Comparing Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands

 

How did the Broad Trends in Europe (and Where These Europeans Went in the Americas) Lead to Differences in How the Europeans Dealt with the Americas?

This table provides a way for you to think through the differences in the colonies. The table also tells you who will eventually win in North America.

 

Look at each row in the table. For example, ask yourself what is the difference in the practical consequence if the Europeans are:

·         Predominantly male or come with their families?

·         Few in number and spread out or concentrated in one place?

·         Doing agriculture or trading with the native population?

·         Are individual farmers or large-scale (with many laborers needed) agriculture?

·         Believe they must convert the Indians or not?

 

  The colors correspond to the areas on the Map of Colonization that are drawn with these colors.

 

Trait

Spanish

French

English

Dutch

Where they went?

Central and South America

Canada and down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of New Mexico

Atlantic sea coast 

Area later called New York (Most of their colonies are in the Far East.)

Demographics of the colonies?

450,000 through mid-1600s

Mainly male

15,000 by 1700

Mainly male

Families:

> 2,000 in early 1600s

50,000 by mid-1600s

Families:

> 300 in early 1600s

Demographics of the colonies? (Why would ordinary people come?)

 

 

 

Although the initial settlers were some Protestant refugees,[1] once the Spanish–those persecuting the Protestants—were forced out of the Netherlands, Protestant families were safe without moving to colonies

Economy of colonies?

 

 

 

Fur trade

Breweries

Agriculture [2]

Large landholdings?  (feudal landholdings)

 

 

 

Yes, called patroonships [3]

Local governance?

 

 

 

No, a Dutch administration

Missionary effort?

 

 

 

¾

Mix with the native population, including intermarriage?

 

 

 

¾

 

 

 

Copyright C. J. Bibus, Ed.D. 2003-2015

 

WCJC Department:

History – Dr. Bibus

Contact Information:

281.239.1577 or bibusc@wcjc.edu

Last Updated:

2015

WCJC Home:

http://www.wcjc.edu/

 

 



[1] This and the remaining entries in the column are from the Oxford Companion to United States History, p. 199.

[2] This and the remaining entries in the column are from the Oxford Companion to United States History, p. 199.

[3] This and the remaining entries in the column are from the Oxford Companion to United States History, p. 199.