Distinctions in colonial America

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Distinctions in colonial America

The three sets of American colonies differed like day and night economically and socially hence there were minimal similarities. This maybe partly attributed to variability in terrain, and different climates compelling them to live uniquely. The three colonies are; the middle colonies, the New England, and the southern colonies.

The middle colonies were situated between the southern colonies and New England. The region was well endowed with fertile agricultural land leading to commercial farming, good ports and suitable drainage. In addition, the middle colonies did well when it came to commercial activities (U.S. Department of Education, pg22). They traded both internally and externally, practiced farming, and owned small industries. The “Holy Experiment” which was established by the Quakers admitted that it was possible to a person to live on his own and function well. This made people to practice religious freedom, thereby making the place a multi cultural.

The New England was situated in northern colony. The landscape was mainly rocky making the region unsuitable for agriculture (U.S. Department of Education, pg22). Hence, their economy majored in shipbuilding and shipping. However, they little engaged in distance trading and fishing activities. It is believed that colonists decided to settle their because of the religious freedom, and the dominant religion was the Puritan religion. Individual, both male and female, were highly educate even in rural areas. The individuals there believed in Winthrop’s covenant theory that their city would be a city that people modeled after for years to come (Parrillo, Pg50). They shared a common ancestry thereby tightening family unit, which had many of members. The region had cultural homogeneity than other regions. Hard work ethics were highly demanded.

The southern colonies were found on the most southern colony with more numbers of slaves, making the region to have larger percentage of African people. The whole economy specialized in farm since this is the region that had the best farmland (U.S. Department of Education, pg22). They had big chunks of land and hired people as indentured servants, who worked on their rice and tobacco plantation. This was the only way to earn a living. However, individuals were not religious, and the illiteracy levels were higher. This was attributed to higher level of poverty and inexistence of formal school (Parrillo, Pg51).

In all the regions, social class and regional residence had more impact on women lives. Majority made candles, soaps, and clothing. They also milked and performed other farm chores (Parrillo, Pg51). Generally, Education, economic endowment, religion practices, differences are key reasons why the three regions have developed uniquely.

Work cited

Parrillo, Vincent N.” Diversity in America” Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Pine Forge Press, 2009. Print.

U.S. Department of Education. “Made In America: Courage, Imagination, Determination 2006-2007 In Words and Deeds Symposia Series” U.S. Department of Education. 2007.