The English took a different approach to colonizing America compared to the previous settlers. Instead of government-funded exploration like the Spanish, the English colonization was started by a joint-stock company. James I chartered the Virginia Company. The Virginia Company was a group of stockholders who invested in hope to get rich from gold, wine, citrus fruits, olive oil, pitch, tar, potash, and other forest products needed for naval use. Owners of the joint-stock company appointed intelligent leaders. More joint-stock companies then arose to fund the further colonization of America. Another difference was that the …show more content…
The centralized control imposed by the monarchs of Spain and France hindered innovation and responsiveness to changing surroundings and situations. It was almost impossible to rule their colonies from across the ocean, so the English granted the colonies the right of their own government. The governments being located in the Americas allowed for fast responsiveness to new challenges.
Another excellent tactic to improve English colonization was the "headright" policy. This policy stated that any man that could transport himself to Virginia, could have fifty acres, and fifty more for any servants he may send or bring. The headright policy encouraged more and more settlers to travel to America. The more the English invested in America, the more they received in