How and why did Virginia develop differently than Massachusetts prior to 1700? Consider: geography (including climate) economy society (social structure, religion, towns) politics (gov’t structure)
Geography Virginia Massachusetts Bay Coastal plains Slow moving, wide rivers Chesapeake Bay Three growing seasons Massachusetts Bay Rocky coastline, not much coastal plain Deep, natural harbors Hardwood trees Short growing season, harsh winters
Economy Virginia Massachusetts Founded by joint stock company Search for gold = starving time Agriculture – TOBACCO Headright system, indentured servants Moving toward plantation society Massachusetts Trade ports Fur, lumber, fishing Merchant class Church centered – pay “tax” to Church
Society Virginia Massachusetts Indentured servants, some slaves Some wealth – headright system Economic base – tobacco Few towns, rural, spread out Trouble with protection Anglican church, not practiced consistently Massachusetts Puritanism!, “city upon a hill”, Great Migration Follow church law or get kicked out (R. Williams and A. Hutchinson) Social order dictated by standing in the church (ministers and church leaders at the top) Puritan “work ethic” Education (Harvard College 1636)
Politics Virginia Massachusetts Royal colony, royal governor House of Burgesses Land owners, elite held elected positions Massachusetts Church led (theocracy) General Court Mayflower Compact Meetinghouse used for church and politics Had to be a member of the Church