The lost colony of
was destroyed by unknown causes.

The settlers, who arrived in 1587, disappeared in 1590, leaving behind only two clues: the words "Croatoan" carved into a fort's gatepost and "Cro" etched into a tree. Theories about the disappearance have ranged from an annihilating disease to a violent rampage by local Native American tribes.

Explanation:

by creating a labor shortage that pushed the continent toward a market economy

i believe it is capitalists.