REGIONAL DIFFERENCES in Colonial America

LAND NORTH: narrow coastal plain rocky soil Appalachian Mountains not far from coast; natural barrier for population SOUTH: wide coastal plain rich, fertile soil Appalachian Mountains farther west; natural barrier for population

CLIMATE North: harsh winters short summers So… Some subsistence (small-scale) farming Families provide labor South: mild winters long summers So… Many large-scale farms (plantations) Need large labor force

RIVERS North: mostly narrow, shallow, rapid-filled mostly not navigable So… South: many broad, deep, slow-moving many navigable (accessible by ocean-going vessels) So…

RIVERS North: difficult to travel inland seaports used for trade towns grow at natural harbors South: rivers allow easy access inland trade takes place along rivers fewer cities grow along coast or inland

RIVERS North: Roads needed for inland trade, but expensive, so most population stays along coast South: Population spreads out; homes farther apart

MIDDLE COLONIES Shorter winters than New England Fertile soil good for cash crops, especially grain So… “breadbasket” of colonies

MIDDLE COLONIES Cities grow up at excellent harbors: Philadelphia, at mouth of Delaware River New York, at mouth of Hudson River

BACKCOUNTRY Climate varies by latitude In/near Appalachian Mountains Rushing streams “fall line” makes river transportation difficult So…

BACKCOUNTRY So settlers became… Isolated Self-sufficient Suspicious of outsiders

In which colony or region would you settle? Intro: name colony or region of your choice Body: explain two or more positive features of colony/region Give one reason for choosing your colony or region over another OR make an “even though” statement (tells negative feature of your choice) Closing: restate intro

BACKCOUNTRY Dense forests So… Hunting Trade with Native Americans Plenty of materials for cabins, fences