Introduction
England’s Thirteen
Colonies were located on
the Atlantic Coast inbetween French Canada
and Spanish Florida.
The Thirteen Colonies can
be divided into three
regions. Each region was
unique and gave the
English a wide variety of
opportunities and
“personalities.”
New
England
The Middle
Colonies
The South
New England
The Middle Colonies
The South
13 Colonies Map
Climate, Resources & People
Long winters & rocky soils
Fishing, Shipbuilding, Trade, and Smuggling
Heavy reliance on the Atlantic Ocean
People relied on Subsistence Farming –
produced enough for themselves + a little
extra for trading
Settlers from England made up the largest
groups of the region’s population
John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin
Rush
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.
Government
John Winthrop was
Massachusetts’ first
governor
“The New England Way” –
used by Puritans to
describe their beliefs &
society
The Fundamental Orders
of Connecticut – extended
voting rights to non-church
members & limited the
governor’s power
Economy
Land was sold to large groups – often Puritan
congregations.
As a result towns grew in a way that was conducive
to trade.
Towns usually centered around a “green” – a central
square where many public activities took place.
Economy, Continued ...
Triangular Trade
part of three types of
trade NE colonies
engaged in
Iron, rum exchanged for
slaves and gold – VERY
PROFITABLE
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.
Pirates like Blackbeard
disrupted colonial shipping
Social & Religious Changes
Early 1700’s saw many
changes to Puritan society
Drive for economic success
competed w/Puritan ideals
Increased competition from
other religious groups
Political changes
England granted religious
freedom for all Protestants,
not just Puritans
The Middle Colonies
New England
The South
13 Colonies Map
Climate, Resources & People
Shorter winters and more fertile soil
Climate was good for farming & livestock
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.
People, Continued …
Was known for its
diversity.
Heavy German
influence in the region
German craftsman
and artisans created
many important
goods:
Long rifles, iron works,
glass, furniture, and
dinner ware.
Government
Proprietors like The
Duke of York (New
York), King Charles II,
and William Penn
(Pennsylvania) owned
most of the land grants
Set up colonies to
compete with Dutch
“Penn’s Woods” later
grants portion of land
to Delaware colony
Climate of Tolerance
The wide variety of groups made it difficult for one
group to dominate over another
As a result, there was a great deal of tolerance in the
Middle Colonies, EXCEPT towards...
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 forced into submission.
Colonial Philadelphia
The South
New
England
The Middle
Colonies
13 Colonies Map
Climate & Resources
Warm climate &
good soil – ideal for
plantation crops like
indigo, rice, corn,
and tobacco.
As # of plantations
grew, they became
self-sufficient, so
very few large cities
developed in the
South.
The People
“Planter Class”
Became wealthy off of
the cash crops they
grew
Dominated all aspects
of Southern life
Viewed themselves as
nobility.
George Washington,
Thomas Jefferson &
George Mason
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.
Government
Colonies throughout the South started for
radically different reasons:
Maryland – George Calvert (tobacco
production to offset his losses in NE)
Carolinas – Ruled by 8 “Lord’s Proprietors”
and settled by British colony from Barbados
Georgia – refuge for debtors
Virginia – haven for some English convicts, and
others hoped to make their fortunes
The Story of The Carolinas
Carolinas settled privately by 8 “Lord’s
Proprietors”
Carolinas frequently clashed with Native tribes
Colonists overthrew Carolina colony after
proprietors refused to defend Charleston against
Spanish attack
Later, Carolinas became too large to govern – split
in 1712
Conclusion
The diversity of the 13 colonies offered a
great deal of economic possibilities to the
British Empire.
It also gave the 13 colonies the wealth
needed to start becoming a country.
CLOSURE
The “Triangular Trade” is a term used to describe
the movement of goods between Western
Europe, West Africa, and
A Central Asia. B the Americas. C Australia. D the
Middle East.
The Mayflower Compact (1620) was significant in
the political development of the American
colonies because it introduced the principle of
A self-government. B separation of powers. C
freedom of expression. D federalism.