13 Colonies

13 Colonies? Question: What were the original 13 colonies? Quiz Time

Introduction England’s Thirteen Colonies were located on the Atlantic Coast in- between French Canada and Spanish Florida. Colony: is a group of people in one place who are ruled by parent country elsewhere.

Jamestown, Virginia Jamestown, Va: first permanent English colony Government: first managed by governor and council appointed by the Virginia Company House of Burgesses: 1619 colonists formed the first representative assembly, legislature-had little power but marked beginning of self government in America

House of Burgesses But forasmuch as men's affaires doe litle prosper where God's service is neglected, all the Burgesses tooke their places in the Quire till a prayer was said by Mr. Bucke, the Minister, that it would please God to guide and sanctifie all our proceedings to his own glory and the good of this Plantation... The Speaker... delivered in briefe to the whole assembly the occasions of their meeting. Which done he read unto them the commission for establishing the Counsell of Estate and the general Assembly, wherein their duties were described to the life... And forasmuch as our intente is to establish one equall and uniforme kinde of government over all Virginia &c. – John Pory, "A Reporte of the Manner of Proceeding in the General Assembly Convented at James City" (July 30, 1619) In April, 1619, Governor George Yeardley arrived in Virginia from England and announced that the Virginia Company had voted to abolish martial law and create a legislative assembly. It became the House of Burgesses — the first legislative assembly in the American colonies. The first assembly met on July 30, 1619, in the church at Jamestown. Present were Governor Yeardley, Council, and 22 burgesses representing 11 plantations (or settlements) Burgesses were elected representatives. Only white men who owned a specific amount of property were eligible to vote for Burgesses.

Plymouth, Massachusetts 1620, Pilgrims travel over seas and settle at Plymouth for religious freedom Mayflower Compact: constitution created aboard the Mayflower to help govern and create democracy for this new colony-41 men signed this compact.

Mayflower Compact IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid: And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience. IN WITNESS whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape-Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty- fourth, Anno Domini; 1620.

Your Turn As a group create a compact/laws that if you were to start a new colony/civilization, what would they be?

13 Colonies The Thirteen Colonies can be divided into three regions. Each region was unique and gave the English a wide variety of opportunities and “personalities’.

The South The Middle Colonies New England 13 Colonies

13 Colonies Map New England

Economic Development of New England Heavy reliance on the Atlantic Ocean Fishing Shipbuilding Trade and Smuggling Triangular Trade 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.

Climate and Soil of New England Long winters Rocky soil As a result, many farmers used subsistence farming.

The People of New England English settlers were the largest ethnic group. Land was sold to large groups – often Puritan congregations. As a result towns grew in a way that was conducive to trade.

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. Puritans – their religion declined of competition with other groups and because their ideals didn’t go well with business.

The Middle Colonies 13 Colonies Map The Middle Colonies

Economy Continued Middle Colonies also had 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.

Climate and Soil Rich soil Mild winters Growing season that lasted between 6-8 months

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

Climate of Tolerance The wide variety of groups made it difficult for one group to dominate any other As a result – there was a great deal of tolerance in the Middle Colonies. 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 force into submission.

Colonial Philadelphia

The South 13 Colonies Map The South

Economic Development of the South Ideal for plantation crops like indigo, rice, and tobacco. Plantations were largely self-sufficient, so very few large cities developed in the South.

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.

Climate and Soil Very rich soil Warm weather Mild winters Nearly year round growing season

The People Planter Class Became wealthy off of the cash crops they grew Dominated all aspects of Southern life Viewed themselves as nobility.

The Frontier Pioneers were colonists who needed to move westward to find themselves land that they could settle and claim as their own.

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