Final answer:
Settlers moved to North America in the 17th century for reasons including overpopulation, poverty, religious freedom, and economic opportunities. Their arrival had a significant impact on Indigenous populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Settlers moved to North America in the 17th century for various reasons. One reason was the overpopulation and poverty in England, which led many English migrants to seek a better life in the New World. They were attracted by the prospect of opportunities and fertile land, especially in the Chesapeake Bay colonies and New England. Another motivation was religious freedom. Some settlers, such as the Puritans, sought to establish communities where they could freely practice their faith. Maryland was founded as a safe haven for Catholics escaping persecution. Economics played a significant role as well. European countries sought colonies to obtain raw materials and establish a profitable trade network. The colonies provided resources like furs, metals, and agricultural products such as tobacco and cotton. It's important to note that European colonization had a significant impact on Indigenous populations. Warfare, diseases, and the introduction of slavery disrupted traditional lifestyles and caused a drastic decline in Indigenous populations.