Colonial Regions How the colonies developed economically, socially, culturally, and regionally

Before reading…READ THIS The last of the 13 colonies was not established until 1732. However, we have not finished discussing the colonies in the 17th century (e.g. the 1600s). As you view this keep in mind a few things: Slaves don’t arrive in America until the early 1700s That many of the economies did not fully develop until the 1700s This information will help reinforce what you have learned and will prepare you for what we will discuss next week.

Regional Patterns The vast majority of people in the 13 colonies were farmers Colonies lacked industries By mid-1700s, colonies developed regional distinctions Variations in geography, climate, and demographics explain differences New England (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine) Cold winters, short growing season = no crops for sale Raised livestock and grew wheat, rye, and potatoes for food Shipped lumber and fish; Boston was the principal seaport Few African Americans Middle Class settlers Cleaner healthier environment  longer life span and rapid population growth Schools, better education, and more economic equality

Regional Patterns Middle Colonies (Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware) Temperate climate; better farmland for wheat (major export)  strong economy in 1700’s in MC, not in NE NY and Philadelphia were the largest seaports Few African Americans European Settlers  most ethnically and culturally diverse region Southern colonies (Maryland, Virginia, Carolinas, and Georgia) Warmer climate, longer growing season  profitable farming of “cash crops” Chesapeake colonies, VA and MD, harvested tobacco Carolinas and Georgia  lumber, rice, and indigo (and later “king cotton”) African Americans made up majority of population Most settlers were poor white men Difficult to sustain schools and churches (dispersion); severe economic inequality

Map of the 13 colonies