Introduction England’s Thirteen Colonies were located on the Atlantic Coast in-between French Canada and Spanish Florida. The Thirteen Colonies can be divided into three regions. Each region was unique and gave the English a wide variety of opportunities and “personalities.”

New England The Middle Colonies The South

New England The Middle Colonies The South 13 Colonies Map

Climate, Resources & People Long winters & rocky soils Fishing, Shipbuilding, Trade, and Smuggling Heavy reliance on the Atlantic Ocean People relied on Subsistence Farming – produced enough for themselves + a little extra for trading Settlers from England made up the largest groups of the region’s population John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Rush

People, continued … African Americans Slavery wasn’t economical in New England because they weren’t needed for farming. Many slaves worked in houses or were hired out for various jobs. Slaves could eventually save enough money to purchase their freedom.

Government John Winthrop was Massachusetts’ first governor “The New England Way” – used by Puritans to describe their beliefs & society The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut – extended voting rights to non-church members & limited the governor’s power

Economy Land was sold to large groups – often Puritan congregations. As a result towns grew in a way that was conducive to trade. Towns usually centered around a “green” – a central square where many public activities took place.

Economy, Continued ... Triangular Trade Navigation Acts of 1651 part of three types of trade NE colonies engaged in Iron, rum exchanged for slaves and gold – VERY PROFITABLE Navigation Acts of 1651 Law passed by the English in an attempt to get a cut out of New England’s wealthy trade. Difficult for the English to enforce. Pirates like Blackbeard disrupted colonial shipping

Social & Religious Changes Early 1700’s saw many changes to Puritan society Drive for economic success competed w/Puritan ideals Increased competition from other religious groups Political changes England granted religious freedom for all Protestants, not just Puritans

The Middle Colonies New England The South 13 Colonies Map

Climate, Resources & People Shorter winters and more fertile soil Climate was good for farming & livestock Excellent ports and river systems (New York, NY on the Hudson; Philadelphia, PA on the Delaware) Exported grain, furs, and whale oil and imported manufactured goods Ship building New York and Philly developed and expanded quickly Rivaled the nicest cities of England.

People, Continued … Was known for its diversity. Heavy German influence in the region German craftsman and artisans created many important goods: Long rifles, iron works, glass, furniture, and dinner ware.

Government Proprietors like The Duke of York (New York), King Charles II, and William Penn (Pennsylvania) owned most of the land grants Set up colonies to compete with Dutch “Penn’s Woods” later grants portion of land to Delaware colony

African Americans Climate of Tolerance The wide variety of groups made it difficult for one group to dominate over another As a result, there was a great deal of tolerance in the Middle Colonies, EXCEPT towards... African Americans Some were slaves and some were free. Either way they worked as laborers, servants, drivers, sailors, and assistants Racial tensions did exist, especially in NYC. Violence was used by both sides – but African Americans were forced into submission.

Colonial Philadelphia

The South New England The Middle Colonies 13 Colonies Map

Climate & Resources Warm climate & good soil – ideal for plantation crops like indigo, rice, corn, and tobacco. As # of plantations grew, they became self-sufficient, so very few large cities developed in the South.

The People “Planter Class” Became wealthy off of the cash crops they grew Dominated all aspects of Southern life Viewed themselves as nobility. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson & George Mason

The Need For Slavery Plantations had difficulties finding the necessary labor to run a plantation. Many indentured servants were leaving plantations. Turned to slave labor. Africans already established as reliable slaves – so planters started to use them. Kept under control with strict slave codes.

Colonies throughout the South started for radically different reasons: Government Colonies throughout the South started for radically different reasons: Maryland – George Calvert (tobacco production to offset his losses in NE) Carolinas – Ruled by 8 “Lord’s Proprietors” and settled by British colony from Barbados Georgia – refuge for debtors Virginia – haven for some English convicts, and others hoped to make their fortunes

The Story of The Carolinas Carolinas settled privately by 8 “Lord’s Proprietors” Carolinas frequently clashed with Native tribes Colonists overthrew Carolina colony after proprietors refused to defend Charleston against Spanish attack Later, Carolinas became too large to govern – split in 1712

Conclusion The diversity of the 13 colonies offered a great deal of economic possibilities to the British Empire. It also gave the 13 colonies the wealth needed to start becoming a country.

CLOSURE The “Triangular Trade” is a term used to describe the movement of goods between Western Europe, West Africa, and A Central Asia. B the Americas. C Australia. D the Middle East. The Mayflower Compact (1620) was significant in the political development of the American colonies because it introduced the principle of A self-government. B separation of powers. C freedom of expression. D federalism.