The English Colonies
Why did they come? Economic Opportunity – Hoping to make money off of new resources in the colonies. Social Mobility – In Europe, each person had a place in society and stayed there. Many hoped that they could move up the social ladder in America Political Freedom – Hoped to have more freedom than they had under monarchs. Religious Freedom – Much discrimination in Europe due to Protestant Reformation
The 1 st Settlements Jamestown (Virginia) - Founded in 1607, first permanent settlement - Founded in 1607, first permanent settlement - Many original settlers died due to disease and starvation - Many original settlers died due to disease and starvation - Settlement eventually became successful due to help from Native Americans and the selling of tobacco - Settlement eventually became successful due to help from Native Americans and the selling of tobacco
The 1 st Settlements Plymouth (New England) - Founded in 1620 by the Pilgrims - Founded in 1620 by the Pilgrims - Pilgrims were a group of Puritans(those who wanted to purify the Church of England) - Pilgrims were a group of Puritans(those who wanted to purify the Church of England) - Came to America looking for religious freedom - Came to America looking for religious freedom - Mayflower Contract – rules they used to govern community - Mayflower Contract – rules they used to govern community
The 1 st Settlements Massachusetts Bay Colony (New England) - founded in 1630 by Puritans looking for religious freedom - founded in 1630 by Puritans looking for religious freedom - “For we must consider that we shall be like a City upon a hill; the eyes of all people are on us.” – John Winthrop - “For we must consider that we shall be like a City upon a hill; the eyes of all people are on us.” – John Winthrop
The New England Colonies New Hampshire/Massachusetts/Rhode Island/Connecticut Politics: Town Meetings were the most direct form of democracy in the colonies, but ultimately answered to king. Economics: Fishing, Shipbuilding, Sea Trade. Much timber for ships/bad soil for crops. Religion: Closely connected to government. Mostly Puritan.
The Middle Colonies New York/New Jersey/Pennsylvania/Delaware Politics: Colonies had a representative legislature, but ultimately answered to king. Economics: Mostly farmed grains (the colonial breadbasket). Religion: Many religions. Very tolerant of different religions. Quakers were one example.
The Southern Colonies Maryland/Virginia/The Carolinas/Georgia Politics: Ultimately answered to king. Virginia’s House of Burgesses was first colonial legislature. Economics: Farmed tobacco, rice, indigo. Heavily dependent on slave labor. Religion: Mostly Church of England(Protestant)