There were several key motivations and events during the early English colonization of North America: 1. Profit, opportunity, and religious freedom motivated English colonization through proprietary colonies like Virginia and joint-stock companies. 2. Early colonies like Roanoke Island and Jamestown struggled greatly, with the Roanoke colony disappearing and Jamestown experiencing disease, starvation, and conflicts that led to high death rates. 3. Indentured servitude and the headright system helped populate the colonies but also led to social issues, unrest among landless former servants, and conflicts like Bacon's Rebellion.