1. Chapter 3
Section 3

2. Terms and People Staple crop – crops that are in steady demand
Cash crop – crops grown for sale
Dame school – a private school for girls that was operated out of a woman’s home.

3. 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.

4. Climate
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.

5. Crops, etc.
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.

6. Population of the American Colonies 1640-1760
By the mid-1700’s, the population of the colonies was rapidly increasing.
Based on their populations, the three regions developed different social patterns.

7. Social Patterns in the Colonies
In New England
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

8. Social Patterns in the Colonies
In the Middle Colonies:
The population was more diverse
There was more religious tolerance
There was a variety of economic opportunities

9. Social Patterns in the Colonies
In 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

10. 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

11. Colonial Schooling Options were Limited
To ensure that everyone could read the Bible, schools were required in all New England towns by the mid-1600’s.
Outside of New England, public education was less available. Home schooling was prevalent
Wealthy people hired private tutors or sent their children to England.
The few colonial colleges were costly

12. Education
Though most colonists attended only grammar schools, they were better educated than average Europeans.