Chapter 2 Section 2: Settling the English Colonies Most colonists who settled in England’s American colonies were from England (Scotland, Ireland, and Wales as well) Some colonies were not founded by the English: - New Amsterdam (Dutch) - Part of Delaware and New Jersey (Sweden)

Why People Came to America Economic Opportunity: A chance to make a living - Land available for farming, other jobs Religious Freedom: Puritans (Pilgrims) established Plymouth colony in 1620 - Puritans wanted to purify the Church of England - Puritans were dissenters: One who opposes official or commonly held views. - Puritans did not extend religious freedom to others within their own colonies. (Many left for Rhode Island & Conn.)

Settling the English Colonies Fundamental Orders of Connecticut: (1639) Became the 1st written Constitution in America Indentured Servants: Workers who contracted with American colonists for food & shelter in return for his or her labor. (Why?) - Worked from 4 to 7 years until the debt was paid - Then they were free to start a better life

3 Colonial Economic Regions

Colonial Life By 1733- England had 13 colonies (Atlantic Coast) Geographic features would influenced each colony’s economy 3 economic regions could be seen: New England Colonies: (Mass, NH,RI,CT) Cold climate/ rocky soil - small farms located near towns - Mainly Puritans- stressed thrift and hard work - Shop keeping, shipbuilding, fishing, forestry, fur trade

Economic Regions Middle Colonies: (NY, PA, NJ, DE) - Climate & soil better for agriculture - Wheat & other cash crops: Grown in large quantities to be sold instead of own consumption (overseas- helped Philly & NY become important ports) - resources: lumber, metals, natural harbors 3) Southern Colonies: (MD, VA, NC, SC, GA) - warm climate, long growing season, rich soil led to large scale agriculture (tobacco & rice) - Plantations: Large farms that required a lot of labor (Indentured Servants & enslaved Africans)

Colonial Government More small farms than plantations but plantation owners had more say in government. Effect: Few large towns, little industry English leaders- Main purpose of the colonies was to benefit England 1650’s- Parliament would pass laws to regulate trade Royal Governors often enforced English law Power of assemblies increased at expense of governors Review of Colonial groupings