Colonial Ambitions: England vs. Spain

This chapter explores the contrasting colonial strategies of English settlers in North America and Spanish conquerors in Mexico. It highlights the motivations behind early English settlement, their reliance on labor, and the brutal tactics employed by the Spanish to extract wealth from indigenous populations. The narrative examines how differing economic institutions shaped the distinct paths of development for New England and New Spain, setting the stage for a discussion on the implications of these strategies for national prosperity.