The 13 Colonies

Aim & Essential Question -To understand that the thirteen colonies had similarities and differences. They can be seen based on six components: Reasons for settlement, geography and climate, settlers, government, economy, and religion. Essential Question: What were the similarities and differences among the colonies in North America?

By 1733: There were 13 British colonies along the Atlantic Coastline The 13 colonies are grouped into 3 regions: 1. New England Colonies 2. Middle Colonies 3. Southern Colonies -- Each region had different climates and resources that encouraged settlers to develop different ways of life.

The New England Colonies: Massachusetts Rhode Island Connecticut New Hampshire The New England Colonies were established for religious freedom

What was life like? In the New England Colonies: Farming was difficult because of the long and cold winters. Land was rocky and hilly Forests and the sea provided useful resources and ways to make a living. Built their economy on small farms, lumbering, fishing, shipbuilding, and trade.

The Middle Colonies New York Pennsylvania New Jersey Delaware ---Landscape: ranged from the rich soil of coastal NJ and Delaware to the wooded mountains of NY and PA

What was life like? Farmers in the middle colonies raised a variety of crops and livestock Lumbering, shipbuilding, and other occupations added to the many opportunities here People who settled here represented many cultures and religions Important groups: the Quakers (started the colony of PA---looked for religious freedom) Settlements by the following were mainly in the Middle Colonies: French, Dutch, Germans, Scots, Irish, Finns, and the English

The Southern Colonies Maryland Virginia North Carolina South Carolina Georgia The southern colonies had broad rivers and vast wetlands that gradually merged with the sea

What was life like? The soil and hot/damp climate were ideal for growing tobacco, rice, and other cash-crops Sugar and cotton were raised in large quantities and sold for profits.

Government in the Colonies All colonies were settled with the permission of the King of England. Each colony: the king issue a charter (a formal document that outlined the colony’s geographic boundaries and specified how it would be governed) Because the colonies were so far from England- colonists needed to be able to make their own laws and keep peace and order.

Gov’t in the Colonies cont. Colonies developed different forms of gov’t It depended on the settlements’ purpose for living/being there. Most colonies were self-governing Colonists elected members of their community to a general assembly which made their own laws

Gov’t in the Colonies cont. A governor was appointed by the king Some colonies also had a council- a group of men who represented the English businessmen involved in starting the colony. Members were mostly is not all free, white, landowning men- only allowed to vote

Evidence of Learning: In your notebook: 1. Create a chart with 3 columns 2. Label them: New England Colonies, Middle Colonies, and Southern Colonies 3. Place the 13 colonies in the proper regions 4. Based on your notes: pick one of the colonies described and why you would want OR would not want to settle there-- use the kind of land/climate they lived in, the kind business they had, and whether or not it was for religious purposes.