Final answer:
The thirteen English colonies were founded over the course of approximately 125 years, from the settlement at Jamestown in 1607 to the establishment of Georgia in 1732. The correct answer to the question is b. 150 years. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thirteen English colonies were founded over a span of approximately 125 years, from the establishment of the first permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown in 1607 to the founding of Georgia in 1732.
The colonization process experienced two main waves, with the earlier settlements such as those in New England, Virginia, and Maryland formed primarily by charter companies, while later ones were often proprietary colonies granted to friends and supporters of the monarchy.
The drive towards English colonization surged due to various factors, including a rapidly growing population in England, economic opportunities in the New World, and the desire for religious freedom, particularly by groups like the Puritans and Quakers.
This development eventually led to growing independence amongst the colonies, setting the stage for future conflict with the British Crown. The correct answer to the student's question is b. 150 years, as this is the closest option to the actual timeframe of approximately 125 years. The correct option is b.