12 



Chapter 



SHIPS AND CARGOES 



Jl ROM the very beginning the North American continent was 

 explored, colonized and settled by a wide variety of racial, religious 

 and national groups of settlers coming from Europe. The preceding 

 chapter has summarized the growth of a part of the story of migra- 

 tion and setdement. At first only five or six distinct groups were 

 involved in the process of colonization but later there grew to be 

 scores of distinct interests and finally hundreds. 



Now a curious paradox developed. Most of these colonists and set- 

 tlers came to North America because they were dissatisfied with con- 

 ditions in Europe. Many of them came with the avowed purpose of 

 separating themselves from European ties. All of them intended to 

 take up new residences, to build new homes, to make their Hves and 

 fortunes in a new land and to develop the resources of a continent. 

 No doubt they felt that they had turned their backs upon Europe 

 and upon the Atlantic Ocean which they had recently crossed in 

 peril and discomfort. 



Such a separation, however, was seldom reaUzed. It is difficult to 

 forget a whole continent and almost impossible to ignore an ocean. 

 Family ties and interests persist even after all the farewells of final 

 parting have been said. Interests of language, literature, religious and 

 political beliefs, methods of education, styles in architecture, furniture 

 and domestic equipment, even trivial matters Hke fashions in cloth- 



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