Europe, inspired by Christopher Columbus' evangelical missions of discovery, to plant new seeds for civilization in the New World. These settlers were no refugees, but theirs were the efforts of pioneers dedicated to enshrine the best of the cultural achievements of modern European civilization at a relative distance from the system of oligarchical reigns and warfare dominating their homelands. ... Pilgrims 1630 Renaissance Sarpi Venice League Cambrai empire Venetian Amsterdam London Leyden ...