Although the New England, and the Chesapeake region were both settled largely by people of english orgin, by 1700 the regions had evolved into 2 distinct societies. Why did this difference in development occur?
There are several reasons:
differences in:
religion
climate
economy
crops
Can you elaborate on that a little bit more?
Yes, I could.
But the best source of information is in your text book.
The teacher didn't give us a textbook, I would just like to know the different economic purposes between the two colonies.
http://www.google.com/#q=new+england+and+chesapeake+colonies+economic+differences
Do you attend a public school?
The difference in development between the New England and Chesapeake regions occurred due to various factors, including the motivations of the settlers, their social and economic structures, and the physical environment in which they settled. Let's explore these factors in more detail:
1. Motivations of the settlers:
- New England: The settlers in New England predominantly sought religious freedom and wanted to establish a community based on Puritan values. They aimed to create a society centered around religious beliefs, moral discipline, and community cooperation.
- Chesapeake: The settlers in the Chesapeake region, primarily Virginia and Maryland, were primarily motivated by economic opportunities. They were drawn by the promise of wealth, as they sought to profit from the region's abundant natural resources, particularly tobacco.
2. Social and economic structures:
- New England: The New England colonies had a more diverse and balanced society, with families migrating together rather than single individuals seeking wealth. They placed a strong emphasis on education and had a more equal distribution of wealth. The economy was based on small-scale farming, fishing, trade, and craftsmanship.
- Chesapeake: The Chesapeake colonies developed a more hierarchical and socially divided society. Large plantations emerged, utilizing indentured servants and later enslaved Africans to cultivate cash crops like tobacco. The economic focus was primarily on agriculture, with extensive labor-intensive plantation systems.
3. Physical environment:
- New England: The New England region had a harsh climate, rocky soil, and limited farming opportunities. As a result, the economy diversified to include fishing, shipbuilding, trade, and manufacturing. The cold weather and difficult farming conditions encouraged a more community-centered and self-sufficient lifestyle.
- Chesapeake: The Chesapeake region had a favorable climate and fertile soil, supporting large-scale plantation agriculture. The reliance on cash crops, particularly tobacco, led to the development of large plantations and a more labor-intensive and socially unequal society.
In summary, the differences in development between the New England and Chesapeake regions can be attributed to the settlers' motivations, their social and economic structures, and the physical environment. While New England focused on religious beliefs, community cooperation, and a diverse economy, the Chesapeake region was driven by economic opportunities, leading to plantation-based agriculture, social hierarchy, and a reliance on slave labor.