European Christians were not excited about trading with the Muslim infidels, nor their Italian counterparts to whom they paid high middle-man prices for goods. They wished to tap the Africna gold trade directly and by-pass the traders. Establish claims in the New World. There was a scramble in the 1500's to claim new lands for the European countries. Find precious metals and gems, esp.
Gold always has value, always has an international value.
Spanish were the first here in large numbers and established the largest colonial empire in the history of the world. Spanish brought Old World diseases that devastated native populations. New Orleans to St. Louis, Detroit, etc. French immigration to the New World was slow and population growth was small. Early English attmpts at settlement Trade is what put England on the road to greatness - had wollens and clothe that had to be exported Developed a large merchant marine.