The establishment of the first English colony in Jamestown in 1607 was primarily driven by economic motivations. English investors sought a profitable venture to capitalize on resources in the New World. The Virginia Company, a joint-stock company, funded the expedition to establish a colony that would yield valuable commodities, such as tobacco and gold. Additionally, religious and social factors prompted some settlers to seek opportunities for a better life in America. The site was chosen for its strategic location along the James River, providing access to trade routes while offering some defense against potential Spanish attacks.