What was the primary reason for the establishment of the original 13 colonies by the British?

The primary reason for the establishment of the original 13 colonies by the British was indeed for economic gain, religious freedom, and expansion of territory. The British sought to create colonies as a means of increasing their wealth and resources. The mercantilist policies of the time encouraged the establishment of colonies that could provide raw materials to the mother country and serve as markets for British goods, thus contributing to economic growth.

Additionally, many of the colonies were founded by groups seeking religious freedom, such as the Puritans in Massachusetts and the Quakers in Pennsylvania. These groups fled England to escape persecution and establish communities where they could practice their beliefs freely. Furthermore, the colonies provided opportunities for territorial expansion, allowing England to assert its influence and control over more land in the New World.

Other options, such as creating a military outpost against Spain or promoting cultural exchange with Native Americans, do not encompass the broader economic and social motivations that drove colonization. While military concerns and interactions with Native Americans did take place, they were not the primary reasons for the establishment of the colonies.