The colonists suffered through many hardships primarily due to poor planning, harsh and unfamiliar environmental conditions, lack of adequate food and supplies, hostile relations with Native Americans, disease, and isolation. They faced starvation, extreme weather, and attacks while struggling to establish sustainable settlements. Additionally, many colonists were unprepared for the physical demands of farming and surviving in the wilderness, which compounded their difficulties. Social and political challenges also added to their hardships, especially during times of conflict such as the American Revolutionary War. These factors together made the colonists' early years fraught with misery and struggle.