Changes

About the same time, however, England had a huge success in Europe.  Spain had ruled the high seas for most of the 1500s, until England destroyed the Spanish Armada in 1588.  That left England with the potential to gain control of the oceans and world trade over the seas.  England could protect its colonies against other European powers.

About the same time, however, England had a huge success in Europe.  Spain had ruled the high seas for most of the 1500s, until England destroyed the Spanish Armada in 1588.  That left England with the potential to gain control of the oceans and world trade over the seas.  England could protect its colonies against other European powers.

== Settlements ==

== Successful Settlements ==

Some Englishmen invested money in what was called a “[[joint stock company]],” which was similar to a modern-day corporation, for the purpose of finding gold or other treasures.  Called the “[[Virginia Company]],” it established the first permanent settlement for England in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.  It was a disaster and the investors never received a profit.  The men who settled in Jamestown were gentlemen who expected to get rich with little effort.  They lacked a common purpose and wasted their time searching for treasure, or simply doing nothing at all.  Unwilling to work to grow their own food, they almost starved to death.

Some Englishmen invested money in what was called a “[[joint stock company]],” which was similar to a modern-day corporation, for the purpose of finding gold or other treasures.  Called the “[[Virginia Company]],” it established the first permanent settlement for England in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.  It was a disaster and the investors never received a profit.  The men who settled in Jamestown were gentlemen who expected to get rich with little effort.  They lacked a common purpose and wasted their time searching for treasure, or simply doing nothing at all.  Unwilling to work to grow their own food, they almost starved to death.