By the early 18th century, the British had outstripped both French and the Spanish in the New World by becoming the most populous prosperous and...

Prior to
the eighteenth century, Britain's colonial presence in the New World was smaller than those of
France and Spain. They were vastly outnumbered, even though they were sending more at every
opportunity. This would change rapidly throughout the next century; the British colonies would
eventually grow to a much greater number than the other imperial powers.

The
main issue was the type of colonists that were coming from each nation. To paint in broad
strokes, the French were sending merchants and the Spanish were sending missionaries (this is an
oversimplification, but it holds true). The French merchants were focused on establishing fur
trading posts and gathering supplies to send back to France. The Spanish missionaries were
focused on evangelizing and spreading Christianity through the Continent.

The British colonists, however, were rejects for various reasons. Because of debt, religious
persecution, or other reasons, the British colonist came to America seeking a new start.
The...