1. THREE COLONIAL REGIONS Geographical Characteristics Make a Difference
Essential Question: What influence did the environment have on the economy and settlement of each colonial region?

2. The 13 Colonies were grouped into 3 Distinct Geographic Regions
Remember a region is defined as a large area of land having similar geographic, political, or cultural characteristics that distinguish it from other areas.
The 3 Colonial Regions are divided into:
Northern Colonies, Mid-Atlantic Colonies, and the Southern Colonies
Each of these regions have distinct physical characteristics and unique natural resources.
These physical characteristics and natural resources will influence the way the colonies develop over time.
Economically, Politically, and Culturally

3. Northern Colonies or New England: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island
Hard rocky soil, short growing season– farms small, mainly provide for individual families
Deep water ports – good for European trade
Good region for fishing, shipbuilding, lumbering, and fur trading
Skilled trades (ship building)
Cities and towns – centers for government
Settled by religious reformers and separatists
Pilgrims or Puritans
Religious Freedoms were essential
Education important

4. Mid-Atlantic Colonies: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware
Area excellent for farming and had natural harbors for trade with Europe
Good mix of farming, trading and skilled labor
Farmers grew grain and raised livestock
Settled by people from many different backgrounds and life styles

5. Southern Colonies: Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia
Economy – Agriculture: cash crops (tobacco, cotton, indigo, rice)
Great soil, long growing season – primarily cash crops
Settled by people seeking economic resources to provide material wealth for England and themselves
Primary trade – England = dependent on England
Plantations (large farms) vs. small farms of Northern Colonies
Worked by indentured servants and Slaves
Kept people living far apart – prevents growth of towns
Contributes to more independent, rural attitudes

6. Quick Comparison of Three Colonial Regions
Northern Colonies:
Economy based on skilled labor
Environment ideal for water powered mills – finished goods like woven cloth and metal tools
People heavily connected to church and village community = Religion rules
Middle Colonies
Good soil & moderate weather – small to large farms = mixed economy
Coastal lowlands and many bays
Good trading opportunities
Southern Colonies
Great soil, longer growing season – cash crops
Plantations – self sufficient – less towns & cities
Wealthy aristocrats & slave labor – divide socially and economically
Life rugged and rural – leads to great independence