The pivotal motivation for European colonization efforts in the New World was the pursuit of wealth and resources. Early explorers sought precious metals, such as gold and silver, alongside the establishment of trade routes. The quest for new agricultural lands and resources also spurred colonization, as seen in the cultivation of cash crops like tobacco and sugar. Additionally, a desire for religious freedom prompted some groups, including Puritans, to settle in North America. This combination of economic, religious, and political factors shaped the early colonization landscape, leading to lasting impacts on indigenous populations and ecosystems.