At peace with Spain in 1606, England now had the necessary resources for colonization in North America. The Virginia Company was chartered by James I as a for profit enterprise. Still looking and hoping for a passage to India to improve trade. Abundant natural resources; gold, wine, citrus fruits, olive oil, and timber (Virginia, Connecticut, New Haven). For religious reasons (Maryland- avoid discrimination, Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay- divine mission, Rhode Island- freedom of religion).