Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
English Colonists:
* Mercantilism and Limited Self-Governance: English colonies were established primarily for economic gain (mercantilism) but with a significant emphasis on self-governance. The English government allowed for the development of representative assemblies in most colonies, granting colonists a degree of control over local affairs, taxation, and laws.
* Charter Colonies: Colonies like Pennsylvania and Rhode Island had charters that granted them a high degree of autonomy in governing themselves, further strengthening their self-governance.
* Influence of Enlightenment Ideas: The ideas of the Enlightenment, particularly those emphasizing individual rights and limited government, played a significant role in shaping the colonists' desire for self-governance.
* Distance from the Crown: Being geographically far from England allowed for a greater degree of independence in managing daily affairs.
French Colonists:
* Absolute Monarchy and Centralized Control: France operated under an absolute monarchy. The French crown maintained tight control over its colonies.
* Royal Officials and Limited Local Influence: French colonies were governed by royal officials appointed by the king. While some local councils existed, they had limited power and were ultimately answerable to the royal administration.
* Focus on Trade and Fur Trade: French colonies were primarily focused on establishing trade networks, particularly in the fur trade, with less emphasis on permanent settlement and self-governance.
Spanish Colonists:
* Hierarchical Society and Strict Control: Spanish colonies were organized under a highly hierarchical system with the Spanish crown holding ultimate authority.
* Bureaucratic Administration: Spain implemented a complex bureaucratic system to govern its colonies, with numerous officials and institutions overseeing various aspects of colonial life.
* Limited Role for Indigenous Populations: Spanish colonialism heavily relied on the exploitation of indigenous labor and resources, with indigenous populations often having limited influence on their own governance.
Important Caveats:
* Variations Within Colonies: There were significant differences in the level of self-governance within English colonies, as well as within French and Spanish ones. Some English colonies had more autonomy than others.
* Limited Rights for All: It's important to remember that even with greater self-governance, English colonists often lacked rights granted to citizens in England, particularly regarding freedom of religion, political dissent, and representation.
* Evolution of Self-Governance: The degree of self-governance in all colonies evolved over time, with periods of greater or lesser control by the respective imperial powers.
Ultimately, English colonists in North America had a greater degree of self-governance due to a combination of factors, including mercantilist policies, charter grants, the influence of Enlightenment ideas, and geographic distance. However, it's important to avoid generalizations and recognize the complexities and variations that existed within each colonial system.