The North American colonies that were settled by the English are often divided into three different groups: the New England colonies, the Middle colonies, and the Southern colonies. The New England colonies consisted of Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. These colonies shared many common characteristics that helped define the region. The following is a look at these key characteristics. Show
Physical Characteristics of New England
The People of New England
Major Occupations in New England
New England Religion
The Spread of the New England PopulationThe small towns only lasted a few years, as the populations outgrew the 40-acre supporting fields. That resulted in the rapid increase of many new small towns: instead of having a few large metropolises, New England was dotted with many smaller towns that were established by breakaway groups. This low-intensity settlement pattern lasted until the 1790s when a transition to commercial agriculture and small-scale industry began. In essence, during its first few decades, New England was an area that had been founded by a fairly homogeneous population, most of whom shared common religious beliefs. Because the region lacked huge tracts of fertile land, the area turned to commerce and fishing as their main occupations, though individuals within towns still worked small plots of land in the surrounding area. Enslavement did not become an economic necessity in New England, as it grew to be in the Southern colonies. This turn to commerce would have a major impact many years later after the founding of the United States when questions of states rights and enslavement were being discussed. Sources and Further Reading
In which of the following ways did the plantation colonies of Barbados differ from those in the Chesapeake?In which of the following ways did the plantation colonies of Barbados differ from those in the Chesapeake in the seventeenth century? the Chesapeake adopted slavery gradually while the Barbados did rapidly.
Which of the following describes the Dutch colony of New Netherlands in the 17th century?Which of the following describes the Dutch colony of New Netherland in the seventeenth century? The venture failed to attract many settlers.
How did the Puritans justify their invasion of the Native Americans land in the seventeenth century?The Puritans interpreted epidemics that devastated Native American populations as a favorable sign from God. D.
Which of the following was a consequence of Bacon's Rebellion of the 1670s quizlet?Which of the following was a consequence of Bacon's Rebellion of the 1670s? Slavery began to replace indentured servitude.
|