How did the realities of the new world affect the plan of colonizers?

This is a fairly vague question.  I would think that more
pointed analysis could be offered with a better and more specific wording of the
question.  In my mind, the presence of wealth and the understanding that it was untapped
wealth played a major role in the colonization of the new world as a result of the age
of exploration.  Once explorers like Columbus landed in the new world and were able to
bring back wealth in the form of resources and products that resulted in greater
material acquisition foe the parent nation, I think that one saw these economic
realities play a instigating role in the plan of colonizers.  At that moment, explorers
understood that fame and riches awaited them, and nations who might have been guided by
mercantilism policies understood the importance of holding colonies as wealth producing
regions all over the world.