The pursuit of profit has been a principle of American society since the beginning. From the first people who decided to cross the Atlantic to their final separation from Britain, economic opportunity was the basis of most travelers' actions. The possibilities for economic prosperity were irresistible. A struggle for political rights was the result of England profiting from its economic control over the colonies. By severing ties between the colonies and England, they could take full advantage of their economic prosperity and get the ball rolling for the United States. Economic profit was the main dream of the future colonists from England, more than their aspirations for political, religious and moral gains. Economic motivations underlie all other motivations because of the obvious intent of the colonists' actions in migrating to America, of rebellion against the British. government and the break with Great Britain. In “Virginia is a New Bountiful Paradise,” Alexander Whitaker writes about the plethora of resources in Virginia, leading settlers to believe that agriculture could potentially be a booming industry (). Additionally, Europeans were looking for a trade route and so sent an explorer to America. According to "The Middle Colonies: New York", the Middle Colonies were created through the search for additional revenue from trade with Asia from America (The Middle Colonies: New York, Digitalhistory.edu). In both cases, the quest for profit drove settlers to immigrate to the United States. In early government formations, economic motivations were largely taken into consideration. The imposition of heavy and illegal taxes on the settlers in the 1760s sparked the first real rebellion...... middle of paper ......nental-congress-festival_21.html>.Daggett, Stephen. “Costs of America’s Great Wars.” Congressional Research Service. Np, June 29, 2010. Internet. March 30, 2014. .Paine, Thomas. "Common sense." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, January 10, 1776. Web. March 30, 2014. Kindig, Thomas. “First Continental Congress.” Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, nd Web. March 30, 2014. “Mayflower Compact.” All about the story. AllAboutHistory.org, nd Web. March 30, 2014. Kindig, Thomas. “Declaration of Independence: draft. » Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, nd Web. March 30. 2014. .