Colonial America refers to the period from the early 1600s to the late 1700s when European powers, primarily England, France, and Spain, established settlements in North America. The thirteen original colonies, including Virginia, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, were founded for various reasons, such as economic opportunity, religious freedom, and trade. These colonies developed distinct cultures and economies, influenced by their geographic locations and the backgrounds of their settlers. During this time, the colonies experienced significant growth and change, leading to the emergence of a unique American identity. The Transatlantic Slave Trade brought enslaved Africans to work on plantations, particularly in the southern colonies. Tensions between the colonies and Great Britain over issues like taxation and governance eventually contributed to the American Revolution, which began in 1775 and led to the establishment of the United States.