Colonial Regionalism

1. Colonial Regionalism

2. A Review to date Colonial Exploration by the British and Spanish motivated by potential wealth, land opportunities and freedom from persecution Roanoke – one example of a failed attempt. Lack of support (financial and circumstantial) Jamestown – one example of a successful colony. Overcame great odds, Persistence, financial support, the impact of the Columbian exchange and some luck helped this colony to succeed. A Plan for survival – the people leaving for America soon realized that in order to survive they needed formal agreements and rules that could govern the colony. These basic rudimentary agreements were the foundation for what become the Law of the Land, the United States Constitution.

3. Influences on the Early Colonies Religious influence – Many people came to America looking for an opportunity. Not just for wealth but an opportunity based in freedom. The freedom to live their lives without persecution and the opportunity to express their religious points of view. These communities which were based on a religious faith also were organized with a representative form of rules or government. Although these communities out grew the religious control, the values and ethics established by these faith based communities still influence certain areas of our country today. Geographical influence on the settlements - The physical location, natural geographical attributes, weather patterns and the type of soil also played a major part in the early development of America. Once it was realized that people from Europe could successful survive and flourish in the Americas, more and more people started migrated West. These new immigrants would land in various areas along the west coast of the Americas.

4. New England Colonies • A New England Perspective • The Reasons for settlement were: • Many people were coming to America to escaping religious persecution • These people sought religious freedom • These people sought religious tolerance • They were mostly Puritans • The geography • a. Located in the cold northeast where the season could be harsh and extreme • b. There was minimal is no faming. • The economy was based on • a. Trade – fur, crops, lumber, fishing, whaling, livestock and rum • Their social and cultural life • a. Focused on religion – God, Orderly, families, discipline, education, living a healthy lifestyle • Summary • a. These people were successful due to discipline, high morals, good climate, diverse economy

5. Middle Colonies • The Middle Colonies Perspective • The Reasons for settlement: • Expansion • They sought to a grow their trade business • They (Quakers) also sought religious freedom in some instances tolerance form the Puritans The geography a. The land here consisted of some farm land and a milder climate. b. This allowed for subsistence farming to develop. c. There were natural harbors and cities for shipping soon developed. The Economy was based on a. Wheat, lumber, furs, sugar refinery, ship building, and farming. Their Social and Cultural life a. Very diverse, trade with Indians, many languages, religious tolerance Summary a. Very diverse (social, economic, religious), focused on personal freedoms

6. Southern Colonies • The Southern Colonies Perspective • The Reasons for settlement: • Gold • Religious freedom • Land expansion that created more farming opportunities • New start with legal protection for debtors The geography a. These colonies were located in a warmer climate with rich soil for planting. b. Large farms and plantations soon grew. c. The problem is that fewer people owned large plots of land. d. The labor was intensive to maintain these farms and help had to be brought in The Economy was based on a. Tobacco, indigo, rice, livestock – agriculture, shipping supplies Their Social and Cultural life a. Wide spread, remote communities, relatively unhealthy environment, religious freedom, education not a priority Summary a. Spread out, slow to develop, focused on farming, more individualistic

7. Other Expressions of Regionalism A. Throughout history, people from cultures around the world have come to America seeking a new life or a change from their current conditions. They may have come to avoid persecution, overpopulation, or to be successful in an entirely new world from the life they formerly knew. As the immigrants arrived, some found that their dreams could be found. While, some found that America was more difficult as they thought. B. In the early colonial days of America, the migration of Europeans arrived on the shores of America. These people came from a various areas of Europe, yet there was distinct individuality about certain groups. This diverse immigrant population would add cultural variety to the United States population. It is apparent that these European groups who immigrated to America would shape the development of Colonial regionalisms known throughout the country. C. Several European groups immigrated to America within a span of less than two hundred years. Although they all migrated from the same European region, they each had a distinct set of standards and a set culture that they brought with them. Not only were the people of early America diverse, so were the motives for which they migrated to America. D. Therefore, as life in the colonies progressed, certain regions of America developed distinct characteristics and each had its own unique niche. The contrasts between the different regions were involving European ethnic groups, crops, religion, and control. The distinct regions were New England colonies, the southern colonies and the middle colonies.