Colonization of America The Development of Distinctions

Pattern of Colonization How did the way in which the North American colonies were formed differ from a more traditional pattern seen in other parts of the world, and how did that help to determine the particularities of the different colonies? How, ultimately, did that lead to a distinctive American identity and experience?

Sub-question How did different values lead to different American subcultures in the Chesapeake, Southern, New England, & Middle colonies?

Two Types of Colonies Proprietary (or corporate) Proprietary colonies, which were the prevailing type of English colony in America during the mid- 17th century, were established by the granting of royal charters to individual proprietors. The distribution of land, the establishment of cities and towns, the issuance of laws and decrees, the formation of militia forces, and the creation of courts were all the exclusive prerogative of the proprietor. A corporate colony had a charter that was granted to them by the England monarch to stockholders. Royal Royal colonies were ruled by royal governors who governed in conjunction with elected assemblies that controlled legislation, taxes, and revenue.

The Old Switcheroo In 1624, the English monarch began to change the colonies into royal colonies. Such colonies were under the direct control of the monarch. By the end of the colonial period, only Connecticut and Rhode Island remained corporate colonies, and just Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania were still proprietary. The other eight colonies had become royal colonies.

Chart the Colonies Colony Founding Date Region Founder Religion Government Original Purpose Economic Basis Any additional info that might be useful

Colonies Virginia Plymouth Massachusetts Bay New York New Jersey Pennsylvania North Carolina South Carolina Georgia Rhode Island Connecticut New Hampshire Maryland Delaware