Colonial Culture: Three Ways of Life 1607-1776

New England Colonies Massachusetts Rhode Island New Hampshire Connecticut

Political (Government) The Mayflower Compact established the principle that government comes from the people Town meetings were the most direct form of democracy in the New England colonies.

Economic (Finances) Fishing, shipbuilding, sea trade, naval stores, furs. Thin, rocky soil made farming unproductive. Only subsistence farming was present.

Religious Congregational Church was the state, tax-supported church (except in Rhode Island). It was created by the Puritans/Pilgrims who came to America for religious freedom. They hoped to create a “city upon a hill” as a model of godliness Roger Williams was banished to RI because he believed in separation of Church and State.

Social (Relationships) Urban; towns surrounded by fields Strong sense of community Supported compulsory public education

Middle Colonies

Political As in Virginia, all the colonies eventually had a representative legislature (called assembly), with the power to vote on taxes. Members were elected by white male property owners (and in a few colonies, female property owners).

Economic Family grain farms (foodstuffs) Seaports Iron works Bread Basket

Religious Quaker belief in “inner light” fostered tolerance of other religions.

Social The most egalitarian of the colonies (a matter of degree). Private (Dame) schools offered education to some                          

Southern Colonies

Political The king chose the governor and council. The House of Burgesses was representative and was made up of white male property owners.

Economic Joint-stock companies originally sent settlers to southern colonies Geography lended itself to plantations and small farms that grew cash crops of tobacco, rice, and indigo. Indentured servants and African slaves were used as workers.

Religious Anglican Church the state church: taxes and membership required The Act of Toleration allowed all religions to practice freely in Roman Catholic Maryland.

Social Rural; few towns. Plantation life modeled on English country life. Authoritarian and deference societies. Wealthy were educated by tutors or sent to England for education.