Who were the original colonists and why did they venture to the "New World?"

by ChandyC

I know basic reasons such as profit, but is there anything deeper than that?

When did interests of different colonies begin converging and when did the colonies first see themselves as "Americans?"

bigcombination

Quick incomplete answer. Cheap land, freedom from ideological persecution, higher pay due to labor shortages, because their patron or employer sent them, to gain access to resources like timber and furs, or because they were forced to as prisoners or slaves/indentured servants.