Hey there Kierian,
Your question states: What were the similarities and differences among the various European colonies in the Americas? You will have 3 listed similarities and also the differences of the European colonies in the Americas.
1.) First things first, Slaves were forced to work in mines such as gold and I believe silver also. They were also forced to work on sugar plantations.
2.) The second reason would be of that how they purposed on how to protect there gold and silver. One thing that I know is that they paid high quality shipment's for there gold and silver to be protected when they were to be shipped.
3.) And last, another thing of remembrance is that they were actually more productive then the French. Even though they permitted slaves, there clothing were the most high class, and also one thing that I also remember is that when they married wives, they had deep respect for them. Not abusing them, but actually protecting them.
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Hope this helps you.
~Jurgen