The English Colonies

Economic Development of New England

Heavy reliance on the Atlantic Ocean

Fishing

Shipbuilding

Timber

Rum

Merchants

Trade and Smuggling

.

Climate and Soil of New England

Long winters

Rocky soil

As a result, many farmers used subsistence farming (farming where you only grow enough food to live off of)

Society of New England

English settlers were the largest ethnic group.

Land was sold to large groups – often Puritans.

As a result towns grew to support trade.

Society continued …African Americans – slavery wasn’t economical in New England because they weren’t needed for farming.

Many slaves worked in houses or were hired out for various jobs.

Slaves could eventually save enough money to purchase their freedom.

Puritans – their religion declined of competition with other groups and because their ideals didn’t go well with business.

Religion of New England

It’s all about Religious Freedom!!!!

Puritans – Protestants who wanted to purify and reform the Church of England (Anglican Church)

Pilgrims – Protestants who wanted to separate from the Church of England

Government of New England

Self- Governing charters

Town meetings

Mayflower Compact – a legal contract in which the Pilgrims agreed to have fair laws to protect the general good.

It represents one of the first attempts at self-government

The Middle Colonies

Economy of the Middle ColoniesMiddle Colonies also had excellent ports and river systems.

New York, NY on the Hudson

Philadelphia, PA on the Delaware

Exported grains, furs, and whale oil and imported manufactured goods

Ship building

New York and Philadelphia developed and expanded quickly

“Bread colonies”

Climate and Soil

Rich soil

Mild winters

Growing season that lasted between 6-8 months

Society of the Middle ColoniesWas known for its diversity.

Heavy German influence in the region

German craftsman and artisans created many important goods such as:

Long rifles, iron works, glass, furniture, and dinner ware.

Society of the Middle Colonies

Climate of tolerance:

The wide variety of groups made it difficult for one group to dominate any other

As a result – there was a great deal of tolerance in the Middle Colonies.

Bigger role for women. Some ran farms and businesses, but still economically limited.

African Americans:

Some were slaves and some were free. Either way they worked as laborers, servants, drivers, sailors, and assistants

Racial tensions did exist, especially in NYC.

Colonial Philadelphia

Religion of the Middle Colonies

Religion Freedom

Quakers - The Quakers were forced out of New Jersey and William Penn obtained a charter for Pennsylvania. The promise was religious freedom for all Christians.

Variety of religions

Government of the Middle Colonies

Religion did not equal government. They were separate!!!

Proprietary Charters

Economy of the Southern Colonies

Agriculture!

Ideal for plantation cash crops like indigo, rice, and tobacco.

So they needed a large labor force

Plantations were largely self-sufficient, so very few large cities developed in the South.

The Need For SlaveryPlantations had difficulties finding the necessary labor to run a plantation.

Many indentured servants were leaving plantations.

Turned to slave labor. Africans already established as reliable slaves – so planters started to use them.

Kept under control with strict slave codes.

Climate and Soil of the Southern Colonies

Very rich soil

Warm weather

Mild winters

Nearly year round growing season

Society of the Southern Colonies

Planter Class

Became wealthy off of the cash crops they grew

Dominated all aspects of Southern life

Viewed themselves as nobility.

Government of the Southern Colonies

Elected assemblies

House of Burgesses – In Virginia, the members of the government were chosen by the male landowners. Maryland had a similar elected assembly.

Joint-Stock Charters

Colonies are run for Profit

Religion of the Southern Colonies

Generally speaking, religion is not the primary focus of the Southern Colonies.

However, religion was still important in society