The New England Colonies (Commerce and Religion) Main Idea-Fishing and trade contributed to the growth and prosperity of the New England Colonies.

Why the New England Colonial Region is Distinct Long winters and rocky soil. English settlers made up the largest group in this region’s population.

Farms and Towns Subsistence Farming- Producing just enough food for themselves and sometimes a little extra for trade in town. New England farmer lived near town, b/c plots of land were sold to groups of people not the individual. New England towns- farmhouses surrounded the square (like a town hall)

Harvesting the Sea Atlantic ocean offered many economic opportunities Rich fishing grounds off the coast. Forests provided the materials needed for commercial fishing- TIMBER. Coastal cities like Boston, Salem, New Haven, and Newport grew rich from fishing.

ATLANTIC TRADE TRIANGULAR TRADE- trading route with three stops. EXAMPLE- Trade between the Colonies, Africa and the West Indies. (see notes) New England made enormous profits from trade forcing the English Government to pass the Navigation Acts. (see notes)

Slavery in New England Few slaves- Just not economical to use that type of labor force on small subsistence farms. Some slavery used in the larger towns (for work as stable-hands, cooks, gardeners) New England had the largest population of free Africans.

Changes in Puritan Society Puritan religion declined in popularity. Drive of economic success competed with Puritan ideals. Increases competition from other religion groups (i.e Baptists) Political Changes- Religious tolerance laws took away the Puritans ability to control elections.