History and Evolution of Colonies

Colonization is the national mode of self-reproduction, and here again extension and multiplication are inseparable. Colonies have many origins. Usually, the establishment of commercial relations with indigenous peoples has been at the foundation of a much larger number of colonies. Commerce possibly arose out of fishing. As may still be observed on any seacoast, fishing vessels were converted into merchant ships and fishermen differentiated into seamen, some of whom were specialized into merchants...