CHAPTER 3: the English colonies Exploration and colonization

A new world Explorers to the New World were looking for a Northwest Passage in order to find a shorter water route to Asia. Exploration and Colonization is a major historical era in American history.

A new world European rulers wanted to colonize North America as they sought to expand their power with riches from the New World.

A new world The first permanent English settlements were located in the Atlantic Coast region. Settlements were built near the coastline and other bodies of water for ease of transportation and trade. Natural harbors led to the growth of trade in the English colonies. Most towns and villages developed in and around areas of settlement.

A new world Geography was the primary cause of economic differences among the colonies in North America.

A new world A result of the encounter between Europeans and Native Americans was that new diseases were spread to Native American populations.

Southern colonies The first permanent English settlement at Jamestown was founded in 1607.

Southern colonies The Southern Colonies had the best soil and climate for large- scale agriculture. Fertile soils led to lower population density because the fertile soils were ideal for large plantations, rather than the growth of big cities.

Southern colonies The need for agricultural workers in the tobacco fields led to the use of enslaved people from Africa. The transatlantic slave trade began when plantations in the West Indies needed labor. Besides tobacco, the Southern Colonies primarily grew rice and indigo.

Southern colonies The Virginia House of Burgesses contributed to the growth of representative government because representatives were elected by the people. Neither slave nor free blacks were allowed the power of the vote.

Southern colonies Georgia was originally settled as a place for imprisoned debtors and convicts.

New England colonies Pilgrims and Puritans settled the New England colonies to escape religious persecution in England. Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620. The male passengers signed the Mayflower Compact, providing a basis for self-government in the Plymouth Colony.

New England colonies The Mayflower Compact and the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut are most closely associated with steps toward colonial self-government. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut is considered the first written constitution in the colonies. In both documents, colonists agreed to establish a community and obey its laws.

New England colonies The Mayflower Compact and the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut laid the foundations for the growth of representative government in Colonial America.

New England colonies Boston became the largest settlement in Massachusetts. Higher population density in the colonies was due to the availability of ports and rivers for trade and business, so the population grew.

Middle colonies Many colonies provided safe haven from religious persecution. Maryland was settled by Catholics, while Pennsylvania was settled by Quakers. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was one of the largest English settlements.

Middle colonies The Dutch settled in New York primarily for economic gains.

Life in the colonies Religion played an important role in the lives of all early colonists.

Study for your test!