Colonial North America refers to the period from the early 1600s to the late 1700s when European powers, primarily England, France, and Spain, established settlements and colonies on the continent. These colonies were often founded for economic gain, religious freedom, or strategic advantage, leading to diverse cultures and communities. The thirteen British colonies along the Atlantic coast, such as Virginia and Massachusetts, developed distinct economies and social structures. The interactions between colonists and Native American tribes were complex, involving trade, conflict, and cooperation, which significantly shaped the region's history and development.