Differences Between Massachusetts And Virginia Colonies

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The colonies were always different, with some more alike than others. The colonies were all founded at different times, and, more importantly, by different people. While Virginia and Massachusetts had many similarities, fundamental differences in their societies and economies made the two settlements distinct from one another. Differences such as their founders, residents, sources of income, and purpose set them apart. The Virginia and Massachusetts colonies were originally founded by two very different groups of men. Virginia, though home to many different types of people, was founded by menfolk who were socially liberal. This means that those founders believed that the government had no business regulating their personal behaviors unless it harmed others. The Virginians were also very accepting of those outside their own culture. They…show more content…
Virginia’s foundation was built upon tobacco and other agricultural products, such as rice, indigo, and cotton. Governor Leonard Calvert wrote in 1629, “Tobacco as our staple is our all, and indeed leaves no room for anything else.” (Tindall-Shi, 114) Tobacco is a very labor intensive product, so indentured servants and slaves had to be hired. Massachusetts’s economy was made up of the slave trade, and ship building. These enterprises were a good fit, as Massachusetts was situated along the coast. In fact, shipbuilding “was one of colonial America’s first big industries…” (Tindall-Shi, 130) Each source of income was suitable for the two states, due to their geographic locations and range of territory. The two colonies would have been able to inter-trade and prosper. Massachusetts would provide the labor, and Virginia would provide the crops and supplies. The fact that both colonies were able to sustain themselves in different ways proves that assortments of fields are essential to any country looking to expand and be
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