On what basis was much land granted by European governments to North American settlers in the seventeenth century?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Land grants in the seventeenth century were often made based on personal connections and favoritism within the European governments and monarchies. These connections often determined who received land in the New World, rather than merit-based systems like development proposals or competitive bidding.

On What Basis Was Much Land Granted by European Governments