Life In the Colonial America
The New England Colonies
Economy involved farming, fishing, and home manufacturing. People living in these colonies usually lived longer due to better food. They governed themselves starting with the Mayflower Compact. A lot more percentage of men could vote there than in England. New England increasingly became more rebellious against British authority and more aggressive against Native American tribes. After years of hostility, James II revoked the Massachusetts Bay charter and made all of New England under the control of one royal governor. But was reinstalled when James II was replaced with the Protestants William and Mary.
The Middle Colonies
This included New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. England took control of NY and NJ in 1664. They were both made royal provinces in 1685 and 1702. Their economy involved grain, shipping, and fur trading. William Pen owned the land that is now Pennsylvania. He welcomed everyone who was shunned because of their religious beliefs. The land was filled with Quakers, Mennonites, Amish, Moravians, Baptists, and others. Because of the Quaker work ethic, the land had became very wealthy.
The Southern Colonies
Virginia dominated the other colonies. This region was a more diverse area than the New England and Middle colonies. Economy involved tobacco, rice, and indigo. The plantations attracted many immigrants to the area. Indentured servants, mostly white men, worked in the plantations for years to earn their freedom and a small piece of land. Even when freed, they struggled to survive and have tension with some of the powerful plantation owners. This lead to Bacon's Rebellion of 1676. Over 300 farmers joined together and accused the royal governor for not protecting them and attacked Native American cities. Tobacco plantations increased and so did the demand for slaves.