HIS 131 written assignment

What motivated and characterized the settlement of the original British colonies in North America?  Be sure to include information on the first two successful colonies of Plymouth and Jamestown, as well as the colonies at large (i.e. Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, etc.)

Your response should include information on the motivations for settlement, as well as what characterized the colonies individually (how were the unique or different?).  Minimum response: 750 words.