Colonial Regions
New England Colonies Founded for religious freedom but not really, Each group wanted to be free to practice their religion while forbidding the practice of other variations Legal system (Mass.) based on Bible - theocracy No separation of church and state Geography Rocky coastline and soil Cold climate (similar to Great Britain) Rivers are narrow, deep, & fast Dense forests
New England continued System of government Economy Views on Religion Limited democracy Voting – only for white males who are active members of the church (Mass.) Economy Farming for sustainability Timber -> Lumber -> Ship building -> Trade, Fishing, Whaling Views on Religion Bible was source of rules for life To be followed absolutely Intolerance to other interpretations of Christianity
Middle Colonies Founded for religions freedom Geography PA – founded by William Penn (land was given by King Charles II to repay debt to Penn’s father) Pennsylvania = Latin for “Penn’s woods” “Holy Experiment” Penn allowed followers of all religions to settle and live cooperatively Geography Sandy coastline Rich soil Dense forests Mild moist climate Rivers – moderate in speed, width, and depth
Middle continued System of Government Economy Views on Religion Democracy limited to white males Economy Some shipbuilding Trade Philadelphia is largest city and center for trade in the colonies Farming Cattle, dairy, chicken Grains – known as the “breadbasket” of the colonies Views on Religion Faith was a major influence in personal and social life Greatest degree of religious freedom
Southern Colonies Founded for a variety of reasons: Geography Maryland – colony for Catholics to practice freely Virginia – business venture Georgia – place for poor to start over and a buffer between Carolinas and Spanish Florida Carolinas – farming and trade Geography Hot, humid climate Swampy coastline Rich soil Slow, wide, shallow rivers
Southern continued System of Government Economy Views on Religion Democracy limited to white males Economy Farming labor-intensive cash crops Rice, tobacco, indigo Views on Religion Faith was a major influence in personal and social life