Comparison of Colonial Regions
Ladarius Snell
New England Region
Religious dissent was one of the most common reasons people came to America. In 1620, a group of puritans established a colony at Plymouth, Massachussets. They became known as Pilgrims. Shipbuilding, trade, and fishing became leading industries in the region. There were small farms that families kept to keep themselves sufficient. The Puritan church was a central part of life in New England. Every settler had to attend Puritan church. Salem Witch Trials resulted when various townspeople were accused of being witches.
Southern Region
Southern society tended to be divided between the rich plantation owners, poor farmers, and slaves. The wealthy upper class is superior to the lower class. Public education did not exist for a while In these colonies. These colonies were established mainly for economic reasons. The first successful English sertlement was Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. Native Americans helped Jamestown survive. The colony was saved when John Rolfe discovered a new crop called Tobacco.
Middle Colony
Middle colony had more religious tolerance and were more culturally diverse. The middle colonies depended on both farming and commerce. Farmers raised staple crops . The larger cities had important ports for shipping. Due to waterways, they also benefited from a thriving fur trade and forged an economic relationship with native americans. The middle colonies were more diverse. Merchants who dealt in foreign trade formed the upper class aristocracy of the region. Sailers, unskilled workers, and some artisans comprised the lower classes.