Section 3(A) Notes

 Under mercantilism, the colonies existed to help the home country  But, from 1650 to 1750, the colonies economy grew twice as fast as England’s did.

 Northern farms grew several crops and raised livestock.  The Southern farms usually relied on one cash crop.  The North also developed industry including lumber, iron and ship building.

 Trade caused port cities to grow, especially in the north.  Philadelphia became the second largest city in the British Empire.  Its street plan, including parks, police patrols, sidewalks and street lights, made it a very sophisticated city.

 The north was composed of many immigrant groups including German, Scots-Irish, Dutch, Scandinavian, Mennonites and Jewish people.  Despite their sometimes conflicting interests, the colonists got along with their new neighbors to create a truly diverse American society.

 Because raising wheat and corn didn’t require as many workers as raising tobacco and cotton, the north did not rely on slavery.  But, enslaved persons were considered property and were harshly treated in both regions

 As in the south, women had extensive work responsibilities but few legal rights.  They could not vote, buy or sell property or keep their own wages.  In New England, the law said that women must be kept under their husbands’ control.

 Limitations on the roles of women, social tension, relations with the Native Americans and religious fanatics led to women being accused of witchcraft.  Hysteria gripped New England as more and more women were falsely accused.  The trials ended when the governor’s wife was accused, but not before 19 were hanged and many others died in prison.