England, in the 17th century, was finally able to plant successful colonies because close ties with Spain had broken giving England an interest in exploring the New World. The recently perfected joint-stock companies provided a safe way for investors to make a profit being the main reason for the original colonies. A growth in population, left many people unemployed, giving a wide selection of laborers for these voyages to the New World. .
In the first half of the 16th century England was allied with Spain giving them no desire to colonize the New World. However, in the later century England was pronounced a Protestant establishment by Queen Elizabeth breaking off all earlier ties to Spain. After defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588, England gained control of the North Atlantic Ocean allowing them to sail overseas. Not only was England now free to sail but they now had this desire for adventure.
With a new sense of nationalism and national destiny exploding through England, dramatic changes occurred. The national state now had this desire for adventure. With new laws of primogeniture younger sons were left to find fortune elsewhere. Joint-stock companies became a way that these sons, and many other wealthy citizens, could invest in voyages to the New World believing they would receive a profit in return. They believed that there were many resources in the Americas that were almost certain to bring a profit.
During this time period England became a more unified and high-spirited state. Within fifty years England grew from a population of three million to four million. Many of these people, mostly farmers, became unemployed when landlords began enclosing croplands for sheep grazing. With other unemployed ventures, these farmers wandered the streets of England. When the joint-stock companies saw this easy employment opportunity they jumped on it. They hired these civilians as indentured servants that would work to pay for their voyage and then become freemen in North America.
