How did England's colonial policies differ from those of Spain and France?

Study for the AMSCO AP United States History Exam (APUSH) – Period 1. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct choice highlights that England's colonial policies were characterized by permanent settlements and trade, distinguishing them from the approaches taken by Spain and France. England's colonial focus was primarily on establishing durable colonies where families settled, developed agriculture, and engaged in trade. This led to a model of colonization that encouraged significant immigration and the creation of communities that were more self-sustaining in comparison to the primarily extractive nature of Spanish and French colonies.

In contrast, Spain’s colonial approach heavily emphasized military dominance and religious conversion, particularly through the establishment of missions aimed at converting Indigenous populations to Christianity. They focused on extracting resources, such as gold and silver, often relying on conquest and forced labor.

France, similarly, had a strong emphasis on fur trade and forming alliances with Native American tribes. Their colonial strategy was less about establishing permanent settlements and more about creating trading relationships in the interior of North America.

Therefore, England's strategy of creating enduring colonies where settlers lived and worked to produce goods laid the foundation for a different type of colonial experience that would significantly shape the future of the United States as it moved towards independence.

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