Early American - 17th Century

512 Words3 Pages
Throughout the early 17th century, the English had managed to land in the differing regions of America, such as New England, the Middle colonies and the Southern colonies. In these regions, the colonists managed to adapt to their surroundings and build permanent settlements such as Jamestown in 1607 and the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630. Although geography played a large factor, religious reasons and strong leadership were crucial roles in the development of the colonies Each region had their own advantages when it came to their geography, influencing what the colonists would do to thrive. In the Southern colonies, the soil was fertile and the climate was warm which meant a longer growing season. Because of this, the Southern colonists made their living off farming cash crops, such as rice, usually in plantations. The Middle colonists also shared a prosperous growing season because of their mild climate. However instead of cash crops, the Middle colonists would grow wheat and grains, being the “breadbasket” of the colonies. New England colonists didn’t have much prosperity in agriculture. They would instead participate in subsistent farming, meaning they grew only what they needed to feed themselves. Beyond this, their main economic activity lied in the lumber and fishing industries due to the close proximity to bountiful resources. By using the environment to their advantage, the colonists could live prosperously in America no matter the reason why they came. Each colonist had a reason to come to America, but none was more prevalent than that of religion. Most emigrants coming to the colonies all worshipped some form of Christianity, and some came to America to freely worship their own sect. For example, Maryland, a Southern colony, was established in 1634 by Lord Baltimore to be a safe haven for his fellow Catholics, who were being persecuted in England by the
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