Initially there was confusion among the first English colonists about

Question

Initially there was confusion among the first English colonists about the purpose and character of their colonies in North America. Most who embarked for the colonic expected to return to England. Furthermore the colonizers were often unclear as to whether they intended primarily to establish centers for trade with the Native Americans or to create bases for privateering against Spanish treasure ships.

Sir Walter Raleigh's enterprise is representative of early English colonization in North America. He held the patent (proprietary right granted by the English king) for Virginia, which at the time meant the entire Eastern coast of North America, and the Roanoke colonies were his ventures. His primary goal, like that of all  colonial promoters , was to make money, but he was also in search of glory for himself and for England. Individual promoters such as Raleigh and Sir Humphrey Gilbert evoke the stereotypical image of the swashbuckling Elizabethan who contributed to England's prestige by individual exploits of daring and skill, but this type of leadership was not characteristic of the successful English colony. Indeed, John White, the leader of Raleigh's last colony at Roanoke, believed that the diversions of privateering helped to kill the colony. It soon became clear to the English that colonization required such massive initial investment that a small Troup led by an individual did not have sufficient resources, especially when the colonies required infusions of funds over several years. Joint-stock companies, organization in which people bought shares, were formed to provide this steady aid.

The Virginia Company of London was the first and most famous of these joint-stock companies for colonization. National prestige was a strong motive for the investors, but they also expected to reap a steady income from their shares. In the early years, however, few prospered. The Virginia Company included many members of the gentry and the nobility who were often given shares and high offices simply because of their aristocratic backgrounds. Unlike the capitalist merchants, who provided most of the money, the aristocrats were selected because they would lend prestige to the venture and because they alone had access to those members of the king's court who actually issued patents on territory and controlled colonial policies.

These joint-stock companies, technically capitalist organizations, seem modern; nevertheless. Care must be taken not to overemphasize the modernity of economic venture in England at this time. The king's court controlled the economy because the king used monopolies of the manufacture or importation of vital products to reward those he favored. This stratagem resulted in a constriction of economic opportunity for those well-to-do people (not members of the gentry or nobility themselves) who might have used investment as their way to greater wealth.    1 
 1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. explain Sir Walter Raleigh's historical role in the English colonization of North America
B. contrast the structure of joint-stock companies with that of modern corporations
C. portray the hardships experienced by many of the early English colonizers of North America
D. argue that privateering was detrimental to England's political self-interest during the period of North American colonization
E. describe the historical context in which joint-stock companies developed during the English colonial enterprise in North America

2 
 2. According to the passage, which of the following was true of English "colonial promoters" ( Highlighted ) during the period discussed?

A. They were all unified in support of the objec¬tives of the colonies.
B. They were all glamorous and individualistic people.
C. They all supported piracy against the Spanish.
D. They all contributed significant personal wealth to their ventures.
E. They all undertook their ventures primarily to make money.

3 
 3. According to the passage, investors in joint-stock companies such as the Virginia Company of London were motivated by which of the following factors?

I. Patriotism
II. Hope for individual glory
III. Desire for economic gain

A. I only
B. III only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II, and III

4 
 4. According to the passage one reason members of the nobility gained influence in joint-stock companies was that middle-class merchants

A. wanted military protection from Spanish pirates
B. lacked access to the king and his court
C. lacked expertise in large-scale economic ventures
D. had an undue regard for purely formal social status
E. had borrowed considerable amounts of money from them for previous ventures

5 
 5. The passage states that the earliest English colonists in North America generally expected to

A. return to England after their stay in the colonies
B. become members of an aristocracy in North America
C. receive strong economic support from the English government
D. establish plantations for trade with England
E. create self-supporting communities independent of England

6 
 6. The passage implies which of the following about joint-stock companies?

A. They were made possible for the first time by the colonization of North America.
B. They were ineffectual because the investors did not share the same motives.
C. They were merely formal organizations lacking both money and power.
D. They were necessary to the prosperity of the English colonial enterprise in North America.
E. They were created to limit the wealth of capi¬talist merchants.

7 
 7. It can be inferred from the passage that joint-stock companies were not entirely modern because

A. they were not primarily involved in the manu¬facture of goods
B. they were restricted by the power of the king and the nobility
C. most of them had monopolistic control of a market or a profit
D. few of them realized the profits their investors expected
E. some of them were composed almost entirely of middle-class merchants

8 
 8. The author implies that which of the following contributed to the failure of Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colonies?

I. His policy of piracy against the Spanish treasure ships
II. His lack of strong financial backing
III. His lack of knowledge about the environment in North America

A. I only
B. III only
C. I and II only
D. I and III only
E. I, II, and III

PK1 · Answer

Para 1: Initial confusion among first English colonists w.r.t to Purpose, character, trade with Americans, base to protect against Spanish Ships

Para 2: WR enterprise example of early English colonization. WR goal to make money and glory for England. WR and Gilbert example of individual exploit. English colony realized colonization required major investment unable to met through individuals over years. Joint stock companies got formed hence

Para 3: VC most- first and most famous joint stock company. Aristocratic background got shares and high offices as they lent prestige and have access to king's court.Comparison with capitalist mercahnts.

Para 4: Joint stock company seemed modern. King's court controlled and used monopoly which restricted economic opportunity to well to do people who might have used their investment as a way to generate greater wealth. These people do not include aristocratic background type people

Main Purpose: Author provides rise of a Join Stock company right from initial background on how first English colonists had confusion.

WR: Walter Rayleigh
VC: Virginia Company

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. explain Sir Walter Raleigh's historical role in the English colonization of North America
-- WR's historical role is discussed in para 2 but do not form the essence or main purpose of the passage

B. contrast the structure of joint-stock companies with that of modern corporations
-- No where modern corporations are discussed....Join stocks seemed modern does not mean they are compared.

C. portray the hardships experienced by many of the early English colonizers of North America
-- Leadership pursued is discussed in para 2 but is not main purpose of the passage

D. argue that privateering was detrimental to England's political self-interest during the period of North American colonization
-- The passage does not discuss much on whether privateering was detrimental to political self-interest. Even though it is discussed in para 2 and para 1 as against privateering of Spanish Treasury ships but do not form the essence of author's purpose

E. describe the historical context in which joint-stock companies developed during the English colonial enterprise in North America
-- This captures the essence and is the main purpose
 This is the answer

2. According to the passage, which of the following was true of English "colonial promoters" ( Highlighted ) during the period discussed?

"He held the patent (proprietary right granted by the English king) for Virginia, which at the time meant the entire Eastern coast of North America, and the Roanoke colonies were his ventures. His primary goal, like that of all colonial promoters, was to make money, but he was also in search of glory for himself and for England. Individual promoters such as Raleigh and Sir Humphrey Gilbert evoke the stereotypical image of the swashbuckling Elizabethan who contributed to England's prestige by individual exploits of daring and skill, but this type of leadership was not characteristic of the successful English colony"

A. They were all unified in support of the objectives of the colonies.
-- It is not true as English colonial promoters were initially puzzled over purpose of their stay and later colonial promoters were in search of glory for himself and for England.

B. They were all glamorous and individualistic people.
-- It is not mentioned that all colonial promoters were glamorous people

C. They all supported piracy against the Spanish.
-- They supported privateering against Spanish treasury ships not against piracy..words play is at work here

D. They all contributed significant personal wealth to their ventures.
-- Few examples such as WR and others do not prove that all contributed significant personal wealth to their ventures

E. They all undertook their ventures primarily to make money.
-- "His primary goal, like that of all colonial promoters, was to make money" so this effectively captures the essence of what the question is asking
 This is the answer

3. According to the passage, investors in joint-stock companies such as the Virginia Company of London were motivated by which of the following factors? 
"National prestige was a strong motive for the investors, but they also expected to reap a steady income from their shares"

I. Patriotism
-- National Prestige is talked about and hence Patriotism looks good

II. Hope for individual glory
-- It is not true as it was not the purpose of join stock companies. Here people wanted to contribute together to raise enormous sum and provide steady aid.

III. Desire for economic gain
-- Investors expected to reap a steady income from their shares. So there was a desire for economic gain.. Looks good

A. I only
B. III only

C. I and III only
 This is the answer

D. II and III only
E. I, II, and III

4. According to the passage one reason members of the nobility gained influence in joint-stock companies was that middle-class merchants

"The Virginia Company included many members of the gentry and the nobility who were often given shares and high offices simply because of their aristocratic backgrounds. Unlike the capitalist merchants, who provided most of the money, the aristocrats were selected because they would lend prestige to the venture and because they alone had access to those members of the king's court who actually issued patents on territory and controlled colonial policies"

A. wanted military protection from Spanish pirates
-- Nowhere it is mentioned that middle class merchants required protection against Spanish pirates and hence out of scope

B. lacked access to the king and his court
-- Middle class merchants do have most of the money but lacked access to King and court. Only aristocrats have those access and hence were selected.
 This is the answer

C. lacked expertise in large-scale economic ventures
-- Expertise is not discussed and hence out of scope

D. had an undue regard for purely formal social status
-- There is no mention of undue regard for purely formal social status...

E. had borrowed considerable amounts of money from them for previous ventures
-- We just know that middle class merchants have lots of money ..no where it is discussed that they had borrrowed considerable amounts of money from them for previous ventures.

5. The passage states that the earliest English colonists in North America generally expected to 
"Most who embarked for the colonic expected to return to England. Furthermore the colonizers were often unclear as to whether they intended primarily to establish centers for trade with the Native Americans or to create bases for privateering against Spanish treasure ships."

A. return to England after their stay in the colonies
-- Most who embarked expected to return to England and hence is correct
 This is the answer

B. become members of an aristocracy in North America
-- The passage does not mention that they wanted to become members of an aristocracy in North America

C. receive strong economic support from the English government
--The passage does not mention any receipt of strong economic support form English support..

D. establish plantations for trade with England
-- Early colonists wanted to establish trade with North Americans not England

E. create self-supporting communities independent of England
-- Early colonists were confused on the purpose and character of their colonies and hence creating self supporting communities independent of England remains out of scope. Infact early English colonization representative wanted grant by English King so independence remains a distant thought.

6. The passage implies which of the following about joint-stock companies? 
"Joint-stock companies, organization in which people bought shares, were formed to provide this steady aid.
The Virginia Company of London was the first and most famous of these joint-stock companies for colonization. National prestige was a strong motive for the investors, but they also expected to reap a steady income from their shares. In the early years, however, few prospered."

A. They were made possible for the first time by the colonization of North America.
-- For the first time individuals led enterprise was possible so it is out of scope

B. They were ineffectual because the investors did not share the same motives.
-- In the early years, few companies prospered. but the passage does not provide logic why they they did not proper. Hence out of scope

C. They were merely formal organizations lacking both money and power.
-- Join Stock companies were formed because it will bring contribution from people who would buy shares. Hence lack of money and power is out of scope as they included aristocrats

D. They were necessary to the prosperity of the English colonial enterprise in North America.
-- It captures the essence as the passage says "It soon became clear to the English that colonization required such massive initial investment that a small Troup led by an individual did not have sufficient resources, especially when the colonies required infusions of funds over several years." Hence for the prosperity of English colonial enterprise it required lot of money which was possible through joint stock companies
 This is the answer

E. They were created to limit the wealth of capitalist merchants.
-- The intention of the join stock companies was not to limit the wealth of capitalist merchants and hence out of scope.

7. It can be inferred from the passage that joint-stock companies were not entirely modern because

"These joint-stock companies, technically capitalist organizations, seem modern
The king's court controlled the economy because the king used monopolies of the manufacture or importation of vital products to reward those he favored. This stratagem resulted in a constriction of economic opportunity for those well-to-do people (not members of the gentry or nobility themselves) who might have used investment as their way to greater wealth"

A. they were not primarily involved in the manufacture of goods
-- It is involved in manufacture of goodsas King awarded to those he favored which were nobility who were part of join stock companies. Hence out

B. they were restricted by the power of the king and the nobility
-- Joint stock companies were not restricted by the power of the king and the nobility. It was well to do people who could not get favored by the King.

C. most of them had monopolistic control of a market or a profit
-- King awarded monopolies of the manufacture of importation of vital products to reward those he favored. It was not well to do people but the members of the gentry and nobility, who were in join stock companies. Hence most of them had monopolistic control of a market or a profit
 This is the answer

D. few of them realized the profits their investors expected
-- the reason that few of them realized the profits does not make them modern.Hence out of scope

E. some of them were composed almost entirely of middle-class merchants
-- No where it is mentioned that some of them were composed almost entirely of middle class merchants. Infact join stock companies avoided middle class merchants and favored aristocrats.

8. The author implies that which of the following contributed to the failure of Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colonies?

Para 2: "Indeed, John White, the leader of Raleigh's last colony at Roanoke, believed that the diversions of privateering helped to kill the colony. It soon became clear to the English that colonization required such massive initial investment that a small Troup led by an individual did not have sufficient resources, especially when the colonies required infusions of funds over several years"

I. His policy of piracy against the Spanish treasure ships
-- John White, the leader of Raleigh's last colony at Roanoke, believed that the diversions of privateering helped to kill the colony and hence his policy of piracy led to demise. Option I stays in

II. His lack of strong financial backing
-- This remains true as colonization required massive investment that individuals cannot continue for long. Also his goal was to make money which means he does not have strong financial backing

III. His lack of knowledge about the environment in North America
-- "Raleigh and Sir Humphrey Gilbert evoke the stereotypical image of the swashbuckling Elizabethan who contributed to England's prestige by individual exploits of daring and skill, but this type of leadership was not characteristic of the successful English colony".Hence we can say that he has lack of knowledge about the environment in North America

A. I only
B. III only
C. I and II only
D. I and III only
E. I, II, and III
 This is the answer

nivivacious · Answer

Note, highlighted answers are correct. stricken through answers are incorrect

--
 1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. explain Sir Walter Raleigh's historical role in the English colonization of North America 
 Passage mentions Sir Walter Raleigh's historical role in paragraph 2 (see individual para summaries above) but passage in totality does not focus primarily on explaining his role

B. contrast the structure of joint-stock companies with that of modern corporations 
 Out of scope. The passage does not provide a comparison between joint-stock companies and modern corporations.

C. portray the hardships experienced by many of the early English colonizers of North America 
 While the passage mentions hardships in para 4 ("In the early years, however, few prospered") it does not primarily focus on portraying these hardships.

D. argue that privateering was detrimental to England's political self-interest during the period of North American colonization 
 The passage mentions privateering in para 2 ("the diversions of privateering helped to kill the colony") but it doesnt argue or link it to England's political self-interest.

E. describe the historical context in which joint-stock companies developed during the English colonial enterprise in North America
Correct. Mentioned this in passage summaries as well. This is further supported with lines such as:"It soon became clear to the English that colonization required such massive initial investment that a small Troup led by an individual did not have sufficient resources, especially when the colonies required infusions of funds over several years. Joint-stock companies, organization in which people bought shares, were formed to provide this steady aid." and "The Virginia Company of London was the first and most famous of these joint-stock companies for colonization." Hence, it does describe the historical context in which JSC developed during English colonial enterprise in N.America.

--

2. According to the passage, which of the following was true of English "colonial promoters" (Highlighted) during the period discussed?

A. They were all unified in support of the objec¬tives of the colonies .
 The first paragraph in contrast mentions confusion among the colonists about the purpose of the colonies.

B. They were all glamorous and individualistic people. 
 In Para 2, the passage mentions individual promoters like Raleigh and Sir Humphrey Gilbert evoke the image of glamour and individualism but it does not state that all colonial promoters were like that.

C. They all supported piracy against the Spanish. 
 Passage mentions privateering against Spanish treasure ships in para 1 but does not state that all colonial promoters supported this.

D. They all contributed significant personal wealth to their ventures. 
 Passage mentions that colonization required massive initial investment and ongoing funding in para 2 but does not state that all colonial promoters contributed significant personal wealth.

E. They all undertook their ventures primarily to make money.
Correct! This is further supported with the line in the para 2: "His primary goal, like that of all colonial promoters, was to make money, but he was also in search of glory for himself and for England."

--

3. According to the passage, investors in joint-stock companies such as the Virginia Company of London were motivated by which of the following factors?

I. Patriotism
II. Hope for individual glory
III. Desire for economic gain

A. I only 
 B. III only 
 C. I and III only 
 D. II and III only 
 E. I, II, and III

--

4. According to the passage one reason members of the nobility gained influence in joint-stock companies was that middle-class merchants

A. wanted military protection from Spanish pirates 
 Out of scope. Passage does mention privateering against Spanish treasure ships. However, it does not link this to the influence of the nobility in joint-stock companies or the desires of middle-class merchants.

B. lacked access to the king and his court
Correct! This is further supported with the line in the para 3 "the aristocrats were selected because they would lend prestige to the venture and because they alone had access to those members of the king's court who actually issued patents on territory and controlled colonial policies."

C. lacked expertise in large-scale economic ventures 
  This is opp to what passage implies. The passage suggests that middle-class merchants were involved in the formation of joint-stock companies, which were large-scale economic ventures. This implies that they did not lack expertise in such ventures

D. had an undue regard for purely formal social status 
 Out of scope. Passage does not talk about this.

E. had borrowed considerable amounts of money from them for previous ventures 
 Out of scope. Passage does not talk about this.

--
 5. The passage states that the earliest English colonists in North America generally expected to
 
 A. return to England after their stay in the colonies
This is correct! This is further supported with the line in para 1: "Most who embarked for the colonic expected to return to England."

B. become members of an aristocracy in North America
  
 Passage does not mention this. The discussion of aristocracy is in the context of the joint-stock companies not the expectations of the colonists.

C. receive strong economic support from the English government
 
 Passage does not mention this. Passage talks about formation of joint stock companies to provide aid but this is not same as economic support from govt

s]D. establish plantations for trade with England
  
 This is a trap answer. Passage does mention the colonizers' intention to establish centers for trade. However, it does not specify that these were plantations for trade with England. The passage states, "the colonizers were often unclear as to whether they intended primarily to establish centers for trade with the Native Americans or to create bases for privateering against Spanish treasure ships." So, while trade is mentioned, it's not specifically about establishing plantations for trade with England

E. create self-supporting communities independent of England 
 This is the opposite of the main point of the passage, since it states "Most who embarked for the colonic expected to return to England" which is the opposite of independent.

--
 6. The passage implies which of the following about joint-stock companies?

A. They were made possible for the first time by the colonization of North America. 
 This is a trap answer. It mentions that joint-stock companies were formed during the colonization of North America but it does not state that this was the first time such companies were made possible

B. They were ineffectual because the investors did not share the same motives. 
 It mentions different motives among the investors (national prestige and steady income) but it does not link these differing motives to the companies being ineffectual.

C. They were merely formal organizations lacking both money and power. 
 This is the opposite of what the passage implies ie it talks about how joint stock companies were set up for steady aid for colonies and members of kings court who were involved in the companies had access to power

D. They were necessary to the prosperity of the English colonial enterprise in North America.
Correct! This is supported by para 2: "It soon became clear to the English that colonization required such massive initial investment that a small Troup led by an individual did not have sufficient resources, especially when the colonies required infusions of funds over several years. Joint-stock companies, organization in which people bought shares, were formed to provide this steady aid."

E. They were created to limit the wealth of capi¬talist merchants. 
 It mentions that capitalist merchants provided most of the money for the joint-stock companies but it does not state that the companies were created to limit their wealth

--
 7. It can be inferred from the passage that joint-stock companies were not entirely modern because

A. they were not primarily involved in the manu¬facture of goods 
 Out of scope. Passage does not talk about this.

B. they were restricted by the power of the king and the nobility
Leaning to this as correct, since the passage mentions in para 4: The king's court controlled the economy because the king used monopolies of the manufacture or importation of vital products to reward those he favored. This stratagem resulted in a constriction of economic opportunity for those well-to-do people (not members of the gentry or nobility themselves) who might have used investment as their way to greater wealth."

C. most of them had monopolistic control of a market or a profit 
 This feels like a trap answer. Passage mentions that the king used monopolies to reward those he favored but if you read again it does not state that most joint-stock companies had monopolistic control of a market or a profit

D. few of them realized the profits their investors expected 
 Passage mentions that few prospered in the early years but it does not state that few joint-stock companies realized the profits their investors expected.

E. some of them were composed almost entirely of middle-class merchants 
 Passage mentions that the Virginia Company included many members of the "gentry and the nobility" but it does not state that some joint-stock companies were composed almost entirely of middle-class merchants.

--

8. The author implies that which of the following contributed to the failure of Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colonies?

I. His policy of piracy against the Spanish treasure ships
II. His lack of strong financial backing
III. His lack of knowledge about the environment in North America

A. I only 
 B. III only 
 C. I and II only 
 D. I and III only 
 E. I, II, and III

------

Elite097 · Answer

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. explain Sir Walter Raleigh's historical role in the English colonization of North America
That is only a small part

B. contrast the structure of joint-stock companies with that of modern corporations
No mention of mnodern organisations

C. portray the hardships experienced by many of the early English colonizers of North America
Only one problem is mentioned which is they didnt know the purpose of colony

D. argue that privateering was detrimental to England's political self-interest during the period of North American colonization
That was the conclusion but that was not something being argued for

E. describe the historical context in which joint-stock companies developed during the English colonial enterprise in North America
Last two paras are about JSC and first para is a base for how it came into being

Ans E

Question 2

2. According to the passage, which of the following was true of English "colonial promoters" (Highlighted) during the period discussed?

A. They were all unified in support of the objectives of the colonies.
We do not know

B. They were all glamorous and individualistic people.
We do not know

C. They all supported piracy against the Spanish.
We do not know

D. They all contributed significant personal wealth to their ventures.
We do not know

E. They all undertook their ventures primarily to make money.
Yes mentioned in second para

Ans E

Question 3

3. According to the passage, investors in joint-stock companies such as the Virginia Company of London were motivated by which of the following factors?

I. Patriotism-- National prestige was a strong motive for the investors, but they also expected to reap a steady income from their shares.
II. Hope for individual glory-- Not mentioned
III. Desire for economic gain-- National prestige was a strong motive for the investors, but they also expected to reap a steady income from their shares.

A. I only
B. III only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II, and III

Ans C

Question 4

4. According to the passage one reason members of the nobility gained influence in joint-stock companies was that middle-class merchants

A. wanted military protection from Spanish pirates
No mention

B. lacked access to the king and his court
True because we know aristocrats alone had this access

C. lacked expertise in large-scale economic ventures
No mention

D. had an undue regard for purely formal social status
No mention

E. had borrowed considerable amounts of money from them for previous ventures
No mention

Ans B

Question 5

5. The passage states that the earliest English colonists in North America generally expected to

A. return to England after their stay in the colonies
Mentioned in the first para

B. become members of an aristocracy in North America
Not true

C. receive strong economic support from the English government
Not true

D. establish plantations for trade with England
This was uncertain

E. create self-supporting communities independent of England
Not true

Ans A

Question 6

6. The passage implies which of the following about joint-stock companies?

A. They were made possible for the first time by the colonization of North America.
We do not know whether any were created before

B. They were ineffectual because the investors did not share the same motives.
We do not know the outcome of JSCs

C. They were merely formal organizations lacking both money and power.
Opposite

D. They were necessary to the prosperity of the English colonial enterprise in North America.
True they were set up to raise funds for colonisation

E. They were created to limit the wealth of capi¬talist merchants.
This is not true

Ans D

Question 7

7. It can be inferred from the passage that joint-stock companies were not entirely modern because

A. they were not primarily involved in the manu¬facture of goods
Not true

B. they were restricted by the power of the king and the nobility
True as stated in the passage

C. most of them had monopolistic control of a market or a profit
Not true

D. few of them realized the profits their investors expected
Thats not the reason why

E. some of them were composed almost entirely of middle-class merchants
Not mentioned

Ans B

Question 8

8. The author implies that which of the following contributed to the failure of Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colonies?

I. His policy of piracy against the Spanish treasure ships-- Yes this is what the last leader said. "diversions of privateering helped to kill the colony."
II. His lack of strong financial backing-- True "It soon became clear to the English that colonization required such massive initial investment that a small Troup led by an individual did not have sufficient resources"
III. His lack of knowledge about the environment in North America-- Not mentioned

A. I only
B. III only
C. I and II only
D. I and III only
E. I, II, and III

Ans C

0Lucky0 · Answer

EECBAACC

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. explain Sir Walter Raleigh's historical role in the English colonization of North America -->This isn't the primary purpose.
B. contrast the structure of joint-stock companies with that of modern corporations -->There is no contrast provided in the passage.
C. portray the hardships experienced by many of the early English colonizers of North America -->Hardships are mentioned but not as the primary goal.
D. argue that privateering was detrimental to England's political self-interest during the period of North American colonization -->It was never argued in the passage.
 E. describe the historical context in which joint-stock companies developed during the English colonial enterprise in North America  -->Yes, that's the purpose.

2. According to the passage, which of the following was true of English "colonial promoters" ( Highlighted ) during the period discussed?

A. They were all unified in support of the objec¬tives of the colonies. -->They were not united in this.
B. They were all glamorous and individualistic people. -->Indiviualistic, yes but there is no mention of glamour.
C. They all supported piracy against the Spanish. -->This is not mentioned in the passage.
D. They all contributed significant personal wealth to their ventures. -->Again, not mentioned in the passage.
 E. They all undertook their ventures primarily to make money.  -->Yes, this is mentioned.

3. According to the passage, investors in joint-stock companies such as the Virginia Company of London were motivated by which of the following factors?

I. Patriotism
II. Hope for individual glory
III. Desire for economic gain

A. I only -->Not the only reason.
B. III only -->This was not the only reason.
 C. I and III only  -->Yes, these two were the main reason.
D. II and III only -->II wasn't the reason.
E. I, II, and III -->II wasn't the reason.

4. According to the passage one reason members of the nobility gained influence in joint-stock companies was that middle-class merchants

A. wanted military protection from Spanish pirates -->No, not mentioned.
 B. lacked access to the king and his court  -->Yes, that's the reason.
C. lacked expertise in large-scale economic ventures -->Not mentioned in the passage.
D. had an undue regard for purely formal social status -->Out of scope.
E. had borrowed considerable amounts of money from them for previous ventures -->No mention of this.

5. The passage states that the earliest English colonists in North America generally expected to

A. return to England after their stay in the colonies  -->Yes, this is mentioned in the start.
B. become members of an aristocracy in North America -->Not mentioned anywhere.
C. receive strong economic support from the English government -->It was actually the opposite.
D. establish plantations for trade with England -->No, this wasn't the reason.
E. create self-supporting communities independent of England -->No mentioned in the passage.

6. The passage implies which of the following about joint-stock companies?

A. They were made possible for the first time by the colonization of North America.  -->I eliminated the other 4 options to select this.
B. They were ineffectual because the investors did not share the same motives. -->Not mentioned anywhere.
C. They were merely formal organizations lacking both money and power. -->Out of scope.
D. They were necessary to the prosperity of the English colonial enterprise in North America. -->again, not mentioned.
E. They were created to limit the wealth of capi¬talist merchants. -->This wasn't the goal.

7. It can be inferred from the passage that joint-stock companies were not entirely modern because

A. they were not primarily involved in the manu¬facture of goods -->Out of scope.
B. they were restricted by the power of the king and the nobility -->There was restriction but not in this manner.
 C. most of them had monopolistic control of a market or a profit  -->Yes, that's the reason.
D. few of them realized the profits their investors expected -->That's not the reason.
E. some of them were composed almost entirely of middle-class merchants -->Not mentioned in the passage.

8. The author implies that which of the following contributed to the failure of Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colonies?

I. His policy of piracy against the Spanish treasure ships
II. His lack of strong financial backing
III. His lack of knowledge about the environment in North America

A. I only -->Yes but not the only reason.
B. III only -->Not mentioned in the passage.
 C. I and II only  -->Yes, that's it.
D. I and III only -->III isn't mentioned in the passage.
E. I, II, and III -->III isn't mentioned in the passage anywhere.

EECBAACC

Catman · Answer

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

P1: Initial English Colonists were confused about the objective of Colonies in North America.
P2: Loss of Sir Walter Raleigh's colonies due to privateering. Realization that the colonization will require significant funding support .
P3: Inception of the first Joint Stock Companies- It's funding members: Colonial Merchants, Major Control:Aristocrats
P4: King favors the decision by aristocrats and this leads to resentment among Capital Merchants

A. explain Sir Walter Raleigh's historical role in the English colonization of North America  ~ Sir Walter Raleigh role is discussed to only highlight why his personal ambition resulted in loss of the Roanoke colonies.

B. contrast the structure of joint-stock companies with that of modern corporations  ~ The structure of the modern corporation is not mentioned in the passage.

C. portray the hardships experienced by many of the early English colonizers of North America  ~ No hardships as such is mentioned in the passage.

D. argue that privateering was detrimental to England's political self-interest during the period of North American colonization  ~ Although it is true that England lost the colonies earlier due to privateering. But the main reason is the lack of significant fund and resources.

E. describe the historical context in which joint-stock companies developed during the English colonial enterprise in North America  ~ Correct, author mentions that initial loss of Roanoke colonies made British realize that Colonization will require significant funding which can be provided by Joint Stock Companies. Later how these companies are formed, their members, funding, and mode of operation are discussed.

2. According to the passage, which of the following was true of English "colonial promoters" (Highlighted) during the period discussed?

A. They were all unified in support of the objectives of the colonies.  ~ Their objective initially was not clear, refer to the line "Initially there was confusion among the first English colonists about the purpose and character of their colonies in North America"

B. They were all glamorous and individualistic people.  ~ It is characteristics of some (Raleigh and Sir Humphrey Gilbert), We cannot infer that all have such characteristics.

C. They all supported piracy against the Spanish.  ~ This view is not supported by John white "John White, the leader of Raleigh's last colony at Roanoke, believed that the diversions of privateering helped to kill the colony."

D. They all contributed significant personal wealth to their ventures.  ~ Their contribution of wealth to the ventures is not mentioned.

E. They all undertook their ventures primarily to make money.  ~ Correct, refer to the line "His primary goal, like that of all colonial promoters, was to make money,"

3. According to the passage, investors in joint-stock companies such as the Virginia Company of London were motivated by which of the following factors?

I. Patriotism  ~ Correct refer to the line "National prestige was a strong motive for the investors, but they also expected to reap a steady income from their shares. 
II. Hope for individual glory  ~ This is the objective of the colonist 
III. Desire for economic gain  ~ Correct refer to the line "National prestige was a strong motive for the investors, but they also expected to reap a steady income from their shares.

A. I only
B. III only 
 C. I and III only 
 D. II and III only
E. I, II, and III

4. According to the passage one reason members of the nobility gained influence in joint-stock companies was that middle-class merchants

A. wanted military protection from Spanish pirates  ~ Not mentioned.

B. lacked access to the king and his court
Correct! This is further supported with the line in the para 3 "the aristocrats were selected because they would lend prestige to the venture and because they alone had access to those members of the king's court who actually issued patents on territory and controlled colonial policies."

C. lacked expertise in large-scale economic ventures  ~ Not mentioned.

D. had an undue regard for purely formal social status  ~ Not mentioned.

E. had borrowed considerable amounts of money from them for previous ventures  ~ Not mentioned.

5. The passage states that the earliest English colonists in North America generally expected to

A. return to England after their stay in the colonies  ~ Correct, refer to the line "Most who embarked for the colonic expected to return to England."

B. become members of an aristocracy in North America  ~ Not mentioned.

C. receive strong economic support from the English government  ~ Initially, the colonist did not get any strong economic support.

D. establish plantations for trade with England  ~ Not mentioned.

E. create self-supporting communities independent of England  ~ Not mentioned.

6. The passage implies which of the following about joint-stock companies?

A. They were made possible for the first time by the colonization of North America.  ~ Yes, but they are made after the england lost the initial Roanoke colonial control due to privateering.

B. They were ineffectual because the investors did not share the same motives.  ~ Investor share two motives which are national prestige and return on their investments. They are not divided on the motives.

C. They were merely formal organizations lacking both money and power.  ~ They are backed by the money from the capital merchants and given power by the king.

D. They were necessary to the prosperity of the English colonial enterprise in North America.
Correct! This is supported by para 2: "It soon became clear to the English that colonization required such massive initial investment that a small Troup led by an individual did not have sufficient resources, especially when the colonies required infusions of funds over several years. Joint-stock companies, organization in which people bought shares, were formed to provide this steady aid."

E. They were created to limit the wealth of capitalist merchants.  ~Although, Capitalist merchant are not able to generate wealth from these companies,this is not the reason for which the joint-stock companies are set up.

7. It can be inferred from the passage that joint-stock companies were not entirely modern because

Refer to the line "Unlike the capitalist merchants, who provided most of the money, the aristocrats were selected because they would lend prestige to the venture and because they alone had access to those members of the king's court who actually issued patents on territory and controlled colonial policies."

A. they were not primarily involved in the manufacture of goods  ~ This cannot be inferred refer to the line "The king's court controlled the economy because the king used monopolies of the manufacture or importation of vital products to reward those he favored."

B. they were restricted by the power of the king and the nobility  ~ Correct, It is due to this those capitalist merchant who provided most of the money cannot take decisions and ultimately not able to generate wealth from their investments.

C. most of them had monopolistic control of a market or a profit  ~ It cannot be determined that they have a monopolistic control of a market.

D. few of them realized the profits their investors expected  ~ This is already mentioned in the passage Refer to the line "In the early years, however, few prospered. "

E. some of them were composed almost entirely of middle-class merchants  ~ Those companies consists of aristocrats, only funding was done by merchants.

8. The author implies that which of the following contributed to the failure of Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colonies?

I. His policy of piracy against the Spanish treasure ships  ~ Correct, Refer to the line "Indeed, John White, the leader of Raleigh's last colony at Roanoke, believed that the diversions of privateering helped to kill the colony.".

II. His lack of strong financial backing  ~ Correct, Refer to the line "Troup led by an individual did not have sufficient resources, especially when the colonies required infusions of funds over several years."

III. His lack of knowledge about the environment in North America  ~ Not mentioned. 
 A. I only
B. III only 
 C. I and II only 
 D. I and III only
E. I, II, and III

pintukr · Answer

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. explain Sir Walter Raleigh's historical role in the English colonization of North America
B. contrast the structure of joint-stock companies with that of modern corporations
C. portray the hardships experienced by many of the early English colonizers of North America
D. argue that privateering was detrimental to England's political self-interest during the period of North American colonization
E. describe the historical context in which joint-stock companies developed during the English colonial enterprise in North America
 the author sets the background, and thereafter develops the argument wherein it is shown that the joint stock-companies served the purpose for the English colonial enterprise in North America

2. According to the passage, which of the following was true of English "colonial promoters" (Highlighted) during the period discussed?

A. They were all unified in support of the objectives of the colonies.
B. They were all glamorous and individualistic people.
C. They all supported piracy against the Spanish.
D. They all contributed significant personal wealth to their ventures.
E. They all undertook their ventures primarily to make money.
 highlighted in the lines of the 2nd paragraph -- '...primary goal, like that of all colonial promoters, was to make money,..' -- while discussing the Sir Walter Raleigh's enterprise, which has been shown as representative of early English colonization in North America.

3. According to the passage, investors in joint-stock companies such as the Virginia Company of London were motivated by which of the following factors?

I. Patriotism --> highlighted in the line '...to make money, but he was also in search of glory for himself and for England....'
II. Hope for individual glory --> highlighted in the passage (in the same line)
III. Desire for economic gain --> highlighted in the line '...to make money, but he was also in search of glory for himself and for England....'

A. I only
B. III only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
 E. I, II, and III

4. According to the passage one reason members of the nobility gained influence in joint-stock companies was that middle-class merchants

A. wanted military protection from Spanish pirates
B. lacked access to the king and his court
 reference from the passage -- '...the aristocrats were selected because they would lend prestige to the venture and because they alone had access to those members of the king's court who actually issued patents on territory and controlled colonial policies.' 
C. lacked expertise in large-scale economic ventures
D. had an undue regard for purely formal social status
E. had borrowed considerable amounts of money from them for previous ventures

5. The passage states that the earliest English colonists in North America generally expected to

A. return to England after their stay in the colonies
 Can be inferred using the reference line in the 1st paragraph --'...Most who embarked for the colonic expected to return to England...' 
B. become members of an aristocracy in North America
C. receive strong economic support from the English government
D. establish plantations for trade with England
E. create self-supporting communities independent of England

6. The passage implies which of the following about joint-stock companies?

A. They were made possible for the first time by the colonization of North America.
B. They were ineffectual because the investors did not share the same motives.
C. They were merely formal organizations lacking both money and power.
D. They were necessary to the prosperity of the English colonial enterprise in North America.
 the joint-stock companies provided the steady financial aid --served the purpose by ensuring the prosperity and success of the English colonial enterprise in North America. 
E. They were created to limit the wealth of capitalist merchants.

7. It can be inferred from the passage that joint-stock companies were not entirely modern because

A. they were not primarily involved in the manufacture of goods
B. they were restricted by the power of the king and the nobility
 reference point from the last paragraph of the passage -- '..Care must be taken not to overemphasize the modernity of economic venture in England at this time. The king's court controlled the economy because the king used monopolies of the manufacture or importation of vital products to reward those he favored...' 
C. most of them had monopolistic control of a market or a profit
D. few of them realized the profits their investors expected
E. some of them were composed almost entirely of middle-class merchants

8. The author implies that which of the following contributed to the failure of Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colonies?

Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colonies, representative of early English colonization in North America....hence,

I. His policy of piracy against the Spanish treasure ships --> reference point (1st paragraph) : '...create bases for privateering against Spanish treasure ships..'
II. His lack of strong financial backing --> reference point (2nd paragraph) : '..colonization required such massive initial investment that a small Troup led by an individual did not have sufficient resources, especially when the colonies required infusions of funds over several years...'
III. His lack of knowledge about the environment in North America --> can't be inferred using the facts presented in the passage

A. I only
B. III only
C. I and II only
 D. I and III only 
E. I, II, and III

EEEBADBC is the CORRECT sequence

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

Explanation

A.  This option is mentioned in the passage, particularly Sir Walter Raleigh's role as a colonial promoter, but it is not the primary purpose of the passage. The passage provides a broader context about the development of English colonization, the role of joint-stock companies, and the challenges faced by early colonists. Raleigh's role is discussed, but it's not the central focus of the passage.

B.  This option suggests that the passage aims to contrast joint-stock companies with modern corporations. However, the passage does mention joint-stock companies and their role in colonization, but it does not directly compare or contrast them with modern corporations. The passage primarily provides historical information about early English colonization in North America.

C.  This option suggests that the passage's primary purpose is to portray the hardships faced by early English colonizers. While the passage does mention challenges faced by colonists, such as confusion about the purpose of colonies and the need for financial resources, this is not the central focus of the passage. The passage is more about providing historical context for the development of joint-stock companies.

D.  This option suggests that the passage argues that privateering was detrimental to England's political self-interest during North American colonization. While the passage mentions privateering and how it may have affected one of Raleigh's colonies, it does not make a strong argument that privateering was inherently detrimental to England's political self-interest. The passage is more about historical context and the development of joint-stock companies.

(E)   The passage provides historical background and context for the development of joint-stock companies in the early English colonization of North America. It discusses the initial confusion among English colonists about the purpose of their colonies, the role of individual promoters like Sir Walter Raleigh, and the emergence of joint-stock companies as a means to provide the necessary financial resources for successful colonization. The passage also touches upon the economic and political factors influencing colonization during that period.

Answer: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

2. According to the passage, which of the following was true of English "colonial promoters" (Highlighted) during the period discussed?

Explanation

A.  This statement is not supported by the passage. The passage mentions that colonial promoters like Sir Walter Raleigh had different motivations and goals, including making money and seeking glory for themselves and England. There is no indication that they were all unified in support of the objectives of the colonies; in fact, the passage suggests some confusion among colonizers about the purpose of their colonies.

B.  This statement is partially correct. The passage mentions that individual promoters like Raleigh and Sir Humphrey Gilbert were often associated with the image of the  "swashbuckling Elizabethan"  who contributed to England's prestige through daring and skill. However, it does not state that all colonial promoters were glamorous and individualistic. It only describes the stereotype associated with some of them.

C.  This statement is not accurate. While the passage mentions privateering as one of the possible goals of the colonizers, it does not suggest that all colonial promoters supported piracy against the Spanish. In fact, it notes that John White believed that privateering had a negative impact on Raleigh's colony.

D.  This statement is not explicitly mentioned in the passage. The passage primarily focuses on the motivations and goals of colonial promoters, such as making money and seeking glory, but it does not provide specific information about their personal financial contributions to their ventures.

E.   This statement is supported by the passage. The passage explicitly states that Sir Walter Raleigh's primary goal, like that of all colonial promoters, was to make money. This implies that the primary motivation of colonial promoters during that period was financial gain, making option E the correct choice.

Answer: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

3. According to the passage, investors in joint-stock companies such as the Virginia Company of London were motivated by which of the following factors?

Explanation

The passage mentions that investors in the Virginia Company of London were motivated by national prestige (which can be considered a form of patriotism) and the expectation of reaping a steady income from their shares (economic gain). Therefore, the correct answer is option C, indicating that investors were motivated by patriotism (I) and the desire for economic gain (III).

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

4. According to the passage one reason members of the nobility gained influence in joint-stock companies was that middle-class merchants

Explanation

A.  This option is not mentioned in the passage. The passage discusses the motivations of members of the nobility gaining influence in joint-stock companies, but it does not suggest that middle-class merchants sought military protection from Spanish pirates as a reason for this influence.

B.   This option is supported by the passage. The passage states that members of the nobility were given shares and high offices in joint-stock companies because they had access to those members of the king's court who issued patents on territory and controlled colonial policies. It implies that middle-class merchants did not have the same access to the king and his court, which is why members of the nobility gained influence.

C.  This option is not explicitly mentioned in the passage. While the passage discusses the influence of members of the nobility and their access to the king's court, it does not suggest that middle-class merchants lacked expertise in large-scale economic ventures as a reason for the influence of the nobility.

D.  There is no information in the passage indicating that middle-class merchants had an undue regard for formal social status. The passage focuses on the aristocrats being chosen for their prestige and court connections, not because of any attitudes held by the middle-class merchants.

E.  The passage does not mention anything about middle-class merchants borrowing money from the nobility for previous ventures. It primarily discusses the selection of aristocrats based on their social status and court connections.

Answer: B

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

5. The passage states that the earliest English colonists in North America generally expected to

Explanation

A.   This is the correct answer, as mentioned in the passage. The passage states that "Most who embarked for the colonies expected to return to England." This means that the earliest English colonists initially anticipated returning to England after their time in North America.

B.  The passage does not mention that the earliest English colonists expected to become members of an aristocracy in North America. It discusses how members of the gentry and nobility were given shares in joint-stock companies, but it doesn't suggest that the colonists themselves had this expectation.

C.  The passage doesn't directly address the expectation of receiving economic support from the English government by the earliest English colonists. It focuses more on the roles of individual promoters, joint-stock companies, and the aristocracy in financing and supporting colonization.

D.  The passage does not mention that early English colonists' primary expectation was to establish plantations for trade with England. It does discuss confusion among colonists about their purpose, but it does not specify that trade with England was their primary goal.

E.  The passage does not suggest that early English colonists expected to create self-supporting communities independent of England. In fact, it highlights their initial confusion about the purpose and character of the colonies, suggesting that they did not have a clear plan for complete independence from England.

Answer: A

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

6. The passage implies which of the following about joint-stock companies?

Explanation

A.  This statement is not supported by the passage. The passage does not suggest that joint-stock companies were made possible for the first time by the colonization of North America. Instead, it discusses their formation as a response to the need for financial support in the context of colonization but does not attribute their existence solely to North American colonization.

B.  The passage does not suggest that joint-stock companies were ineffectual due to differing motives among investors. It discusses the motives of the investors, including a desire for national prestige and a steady income, but it does not imply that these differing motives made the companies ineffectual. In fact, it mentions that the Virginia Company of London was the first and most famous of these joint-stock companies for colonization, indicating their significance.

C.  This statement is not supported by the passage. The passage does not characterize joint-stock companies as merely formal organizations lacking both money and power. On the contrary, it emphasizes their role in providing financial support for colonization and mentions that they were formed to aid the English colonial enterprise.

D.   This is the correct option. The passage explicitly suggests that joint-stock companies were necessary for the prosperity of the English colonial enterprise in North America. It states that colonization required massive initial investment, and joint-stock companies were formed to provide the steady aid required for these ventures.

E.  The passage does not indicate that joint-stock companies were created to limit the wealth of capitalist merchants. It focuses on the role of these companies in supporting colonization and the reasons for selecting aristocrats as investors, but it does not suggest any anti-wealth motives related to capitalist merchants.

Answer: D

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

7. It can be inferred from the passage that joint-stock companies were not entirely modern because

Explanation

A.  This statement is not a reason for considering joint-stock companies as not entirely modern. The passage doesn't focus on whether joint-stock companies were involved in the manufacture of goods or not, but rather on their role in financing colonization and their relationship with traditional institutions.
  B.   This is the correct option. The passage explicitly mentions that the king's court controlled the economy through the use of monopolies, and this power constricted economic opportunity. It implies that joint-stock companies were not entirely independent and were subject to restrictions imposed by the king and the nobility, which reflects a lack of modern economic autonomy.

C.  This option is not supported by the passage. The passage doesn't provide information about whether joint-stock companies had monopolistic control over markets or profits. It focuses more on their formation and the role of investors, rather than their market control.

D.  While the passage mentions that in the early years, few prospered, it does not specifically state that few joint-stock companies realized the profits their investors expected. The passage focuses more on the motives of the investors and the selection of aristocrats rather than the profitability of the companies themselves.

E.  The passage does not provide information about the composition of joint-stock companies in terms of middle-class merchants. It mentions the involvement of aristocrats and gentry in the Virginia Company but does not specify the composition of other companies. Therefore, it does not support this statement about the composition of these companies.

Answer: B

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

8. The author implies that which of the following contributed to the failure of Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colonies?

Explanation

I. His policy of piracy against the Spanish treasure ships

The passage mentions that Sir Walter Raleigh was involved in privateering against Spanish treasure ships. However, it also states that John White, the leader of Raleigh's last colony at Roanoke, believed that the diversions of privateering helped to kill the colony. This suggests that Raleigh's policy of piracy may have had a negative impact on the colony.

II. His lack of strong financial backing

The passage indicates that colonization required a massive initial investment and that joint-stock companies were formed to provide steady financial support for colonization. While it doesn't explicitly mention Raleigh's personal financial backing, it suggests that a lack of sufficient financial resources was an issue for early English colonists. This implies that Raleigh may have faced challenges related to financial backing.

III. His lack of knowledge about the environment in North America

The passage does not directly mention Raleigh's lack of knowledge about the environment in North America as a contributing factor to the failure of his colonies.
Based on the information in the passage, it can be inferred that factors I and II contributed to the failure of Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colonies. Therefore, the correct answer is:

C. I and II only

Answer: C

0Lucky0 · Answer

Ok, it seems that everyone else--excluding me--got this right but I still don't understand how people are connecting "colonization" or "steady-aid" to "prosperity"?
I can't see how both are the same thing? If you are saying that colonization leads to prosperity then that's outside info that isn't actually mentioned in the passage?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Your comment suggest that you didn't had the proper idea where to go in the passage to read the text and answer the question and that creates a lot of mess during the exam. While reading the passage you must be careful about the events happening and you must know what part of the passage you need to re read to answer the question.

This question asks about the joint-stock companies and i know where to go in the passage.

The last sentence of the second paragraph and first half of the third paragraph is the part you need to reread to answer this question.

"Joint-stock companies, organization in which people bought shares, were formed to provide this steady aid.

The Virginia Company of London was the first and most famous of these joint-stock companies for colonization. National prestige was a strong motive for the investors, but they also expected to reap a steady income from their shares. In the early years, however, few prospered. The Virginia Company included many members of the gentry and the nobility who were often given shares and high offices simply because of their aristocratic backgrounds."

Now go one by one.

A. They were made possible for the first time by the colonization of North America. 
While I read this option I thought this could be the answer BUT yes it "COULD BE". I still have 4 options left and there could be some better option than A. Continue.

B. They were ineffectual because the investors did not share the same motives. 
This is exact opposite to what the passage said.

C. They were merely formal organizations lacking both money and power. 
They were not formal organizations, this is an example of half right and half wrong answer choices.

D. They were necessary to the prosperity of the English colonial enterprise in North America. 
Prosperity means here is profitable. The last sentence of the second paragraph suggest this. by knowing that I was sure to select this option instead of A.

E. They were created to limit the wealth of capitalist merchants. 
Out of scope.

I hope it helps

VerbalBot · Answer

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Initially there was confusion among the first English colonists about

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