Comparison of Colonial Regions
Briana Johnson
New England Region
- In 1620, a group of Puritans successfully established a colony at Plymouth, Massachusetts, where they became known as the Pilgrams.
- They relied heavily on the Atlantic Ocean for shipbuilding, trade, and fishing.
- They had some small farms that were used by families who wanted to be self sufficient.
- The Puritan Church was a central part of life, and every settler had to attend.
- Dissenters would be banished
- In 1692, the Salem Witch Trials were held, where various townspeople were accused of being witches and were condemned to death.
- Puritans were the first to promote public education.
Middle Region
- More religious tolerance and more cultural diversity.
- Depended on both farming and commerce.
- Due to waterways, they also benefited from fur trade.
- Forged an economic relationship with Native Americans.
- Under the leadership of William Penn, Pennsylvania became home of the Quakers.
- The middle region colonies began to push west and expand first because of the diversity and tolerance.
- Upper class consisted of merchants and the lower class consisted of sailors, unskilled workers, and some artisans.
Southern Region
- We're established mainly for economic reasons.
- First successful English settlement was Jamestown, Virginia.
- Established by a joint stock company- Virginia Company.
- First few years were hard until John Rolfe saved the colony by discovering tobacco.
- Staple crops, such as tobacco and rice, left to the rise of the plantation system.
- Indentured servants would work for landowners for seven years in exchange for the landowner to pay for their trip.
- This system eventually led to slavery.
- Society was divided by the rich plantation owners, poor farmers, and slaves.
- Public education did not exist for some time in the southern colonies.