English adventurers sought treasure rather than homes. But the high
hopes of the early English joint stock companies were not justified.
Those who had looked to America for treasure were disappointed: no
gold was forthcoming, and such groups as the Jamestown settlers of
1607 very nearly perished before they learned that America's treasure-
house could be unlocked only by hard work. In spite of heavy
investments and repeated attempts at colonization, these first
ventures were largely failures.

9. THE COMING OF THE HOME-MAKER.--It may truly be said that the seeds
of national greatness were not planted in America until home-making
succeeded exploitation by governments and joint stock companies. Home-
making received little or no encouragement in the early Spanish,
French, and Dutch colonies. Almost from the first, England allowed her
colonies a large measure of self-government, but it is significant
that these colonies made little progress so long as they were
dominated by joint stock companies intent upon exploitation. It was
only when individuals, and groups of individuals, settled
independently of the companies that the colonies began to thrive. The
first really tenacious settlers on the Atlantic seaboard were groups
of families who were willing to brave the dangers of an unknown land
for the sake of religious freedom, economic independence, and a large
share of self-government. It was with the coming of these people that
our second condition of national greatness was fulfilled.

10. GROWTH OF THE ENGLISH COLONIES.--The English annexation of New
Netherland in 1664, and the concessions of the French in 1763, left
the English in undisputed possession of the greater part of the
Atlantic seaboard. The English colonies in this area grew with
astonishing rapidity. Cheap land, religious freedom, and the privilege