Free land (well they had to pay like 10 cents), and gold (the gold rush).
Prior to the conflict between Britain and its North American colonies, the colonies were able to manage majority of its own affairs without Britain's interference. However, when Britain started implementing stricter measures on their colonies' trade and other affairs, the colonies didn't like it. This started the tension between both parties.
Wu Zhao lowered taxes, and increased food production. Also Wu funded public projects and tried to reduce the power of the military in China. Wu also replaced aristocratic military men with scholar-officals.
They ended up colonizing North America for different economic reasons. Spain colonized America because they were searching for gold and silver. They did find a lot of gold and silver when they conquered the Aztec and Inca Empires. France colonized North America because of the great amount of furs they found there and to create trading posts.
