Which was one reason why most european efforts to colonize north america failed before the seventeenth century?

Most people came unprepared for the harsh environment

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died. 
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Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. 
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Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured. 
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Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. 
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