New England Colonies

1. New England Colonies By John Mecca, Jacob Karnick, Mason Havenstrite, Jack Van Horn

2. Colonies Included: The colonies included are: • Massachusetts • Connecticut • Rhode island • New Hampshire (which in this time is part of Massachusetts, until 1680) • (Maine is also part of Massachusetts)

3. Massachusetts • Pilgrims first arrived in Plymouth Massachusetts in 1620. • They came fleeing religious persecution. • Puritans settled Massachusetts and were the main religious group. They required their children to read the bible and attend school.

4. Connecticut • Founded by Thomas Hooker in 1636 • Established for political and economical reasons • Anglican (Puritans) was the main religion. They had strict laws and even forced people to attend church on Sundays.

5. Rhode Island • Founded by Roger Williams in 1636 • Established as a place for religious toleration • Anglican was again the main religion. • People were not persecuted for religious difference

6. New Hampshire/Maine • Land grants for Northern Massachusetts was given to Sir Fernando Gorges and Captain John Mason in 1622 • Maine was founded by Gorges but remained part of Massachusetts till 1820 • New Hampshire was founded by Mason and became independent in 1680 • Christianity and Anglican was a major religion at the time.

7. Geographical Characteristics • Rocky landscape made farming difficult • There was a very short growing season • However, there were many forests for lumber

8. Economic Conditions • Since there was a plethora of trees, Lumber was a very big industry in early New England • Another major industry was fishing along the coast • Trading, subsistence farming, and whaling where also major economic activities