How did life differ in each of the three main regions of the British colonies? The colonies developed into three distinct regions: New England, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies. Each region developed a different economy and society.

Climates of the Colonies New England Cold winters, short growing season, and a rugged landscape. Middle Colonies Temperate climate, longer growing season, landscape of fields and valleys. Southern Colonies Warm climate, long growing season, landscape with broad fields and valleys.

Industry New England Geography lent itself to fishing, lumber harvesting, and small-scale farming. Middle Colonies Known as the “bread basket” of the colonies for exporting so much wheat and grain. Southern Colonies Exported the labor-intensive crops of tobacco, rice, and indigo.

New England-Social Characteristics There were few African Americans. There were more families and the population grew rapidly. There was more economic equality. Towns were established that supported local schools and churches Land was granted to men who banded together to form towns 6 males for every 4 females!

The Middle Colonies The population was more diverse. There was more religious tolerance. There was a variety of economic opportunities. Preferred by most European colonists.

The Southern Colonies Enslaved African Americans often were the majority of the population. The population was spread over large areas. There was little economic equality. Communities could not sustain local schools and churches. 4 men for every 1 woman!

Colonial Women women could not own property. women could not vote. The role of colonial women focused on maintaining the home. Few opportunities existed for women outside the home. By law and by custom: women could not own property. women could not vote. women could not serve on a jury.

Colonial schooling options were limited To ensure that everyone could read the Bible, schools were required in all New England towns by the mid-1600s. Outside of New England, public education was less available. Home schooling was prevalent. Wealthy people hired private tutors or sent their children to England. Dame schools—for girls and operated out of woman’s home

How colonists got involved in European wars! A series of wars between the European empires spread to the colonies. Colonists allied with Britain fought against the French and their Indian allies.

The Fight for Control The French and British fought over who controlled the Ohio River Valley and the Great Lakes area. French needed it to connect their territory in Canada and along the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico England wanted the land for economic security

In the French and Indian War: Most Indians fought alongside the French because they treated the Indians with respect and generosity. The British treated Indians harshly and took their lands for farming. In the French and Indian War:

War! In the early years of the war, from 1754 through to 1758, the British were defeated by the French and their Indian allies. Will develop into the Seven Years War in Europe---France would pour so much into the colonial war it was hard to defend in Europe! A young George Washington led an early battle against the French in 1754.

The French and Indian War

The Treaty of Paris In 1758 and 1759, the British interrupted the shipment of French supplies and started to win battles. Many Indians deserted the French to fight on the British side. The Treaty of Paris of 1763 ended the war and greatly increased British territory.

The British conquest was not good for the Indians. Indian Rebellion The British conquest was not good for the Indians. The Indians rebelled. They attacked British forts and the new British settlements. They tried to weaken the British in any way they could, in order to lure the French back. The British stopped supplies to the Indians. British settlers quickly moved into Indian lands in western Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Pontiac’s Rebellion This Indian uprising called Pontiac’s Rebellion ended in 1764. The British agreed settlers would remain east of the Appalachian Mountains.

Tensions Arise Tensions arose between the British and colonists after the French and Indian War. The British The Colonies wanted more control over the colonies did not want British control wanted the colonies to help pay for the wars wanted more land for settlements wanted the colonies to join together under the Albany Plan of Union wanted to maintain their individual autonomy wanted colonies to cooperate in time of war did not want to be unfairly taxed by the British

Albany Plan of Union Colonial leader Benjamin Franklin drafted the Albany Plan of Union that would: unite the colonies under British rule. unite the colonies in fighting wars. create a continental assembly with delegates from each colony.

Benjamin Franklin Franklin drew this political cartoon to encourage support of colonial unity and his plan. The colonists and the British each rejected the Albany Plan for their own reasons.

Taxes, War and Representation

Colonial Happenings The French and Indian War changed the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain. In the 1760s, the British placed new, unwanted taxes and regulations on the colonists. The colonists increasingly resented the erosion of their autonomy and the involuntary tax burden.