Why did the colonists have such a hard time surviving?

The colonists faced numerous challenges that made survival difficult, including harsh environmental conditions, lack of adequate food supplies, and unfamiliarity with the land. Many settlers arrived unprepared for the realities of their new environment, often lacking essential skills for farming and hunting. Additionally, conflicts with Indigenous peoples and disease outbreaks further exacerbated their struggles. These factors combined led to high mortality rates and significant hardships in the early years of colonization.