Comparison of Colonial Regions
Marquisha Anty
New England Region
Religion:
- Puritans
Economy:
- Relied on the Atlantic Ocean
- Shipbuilding, trade, and fishing were leading industries
- New England farms were small for the primary purpose of self-support needs for families
Society:
- The Puritan Church was a central part of life
- Everyone who attended had to support the church
- People who didn't support the church were banished
- The Salem Witch Trials occurred
- Males got an public education, but females were prepared for housewife duties
Why started:
- For religious purposes
Middle Region
Religion:
- Quakers
- Catholics
- Lutherans
- Jews
Economy:
- Depended on farming and commerce
- Raised staple crops
- Had important port for shipping overseas
- Also benefitted from the fur trade
- Forged an economic relationship with the Native Americans
Society:
- Had a more diverse population
- Pennsylvania became home of the Quakers
- The region started to push west due to the diversity and tolerance
- Merchants formed the upper class of the region if they dealt in foreign trade
- Sailors and unskilled workers made up the lower class
Why started:
- Had more religious tolerance and was culturally diverse
- For economic reasons
Southern Region
Religion:
- Baptists
- Anglicans
Economy:
- Tobacco
- Rice
- Plantation systems
- Slavery
Society:
- Divided between plantation owners, poor farmers, and slaves
- Upper class was superior to those beneath them
- No public education
- Mainly for economic reasons