Final answer:
Early 1700s freebooting was driven by economic hardship, colonial expansion, and maritime trade. Political legitimizing of piracy as privateering and the lure of wealth and personal freedom influenced many to take up this illicit lifestyle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Men and some women turned to freebooting in the early 1700s due to a range of factors like economic hardship, the allure of adventure, and the desire for personal freedom. Major political and economic influences included maritime trade, colonial expansion, and conflict between empires. Individual decisions were likely affected by personal circumstances, such as poverty, unemployment, or a search for independence.
Larger political and economic factors involved in the rise of freebooting, such as privateering during wartime, economic disparity, and the drive to attain wealth, particularly during periods of militaristic conflicts and colonial competition. Governments would sometimes legitimize piracy, labeling it as privateering in wars against rival nations.
Personal factors influencing an individual's decision could include unavailability of other economic opportunities, a desire to escape authority or a rigid class system, or simply the pull of a potentially lucrative and autonomous lifestyle on the high seas.