Why did Europeans began to think of North America not as an obstacle to Asia, but as a land to be exploited for profit.

Keep in mind that England at this time was in alot of debt. North america had all kinds of resources that europe's small countries really didn't. North America had giant forests absolutely filled with trees and all kinds of fresh fruits, vegetables, pelts, and other wildlife. They used most of that wood for boats, and pelting (skinning animals and making coats n things with their fur) were some of the biggest industries coming out of North America. Also, because they were only colonies, europe and england could tax them all they wanted (which is why we rebelled and became a country in the first place)