New England Middle South
Geography Rocky soil
Harsh winters
Short growing seasons
Many trees
Ports Fertile soil
Ports
Rivers
Forests
Moderate climate Good soil
Humid
Long growing seasons
Flat terrain
Development Diverse economy
Lumber shipbuilding, fishing, trading
Diverse professions
Small farms only
Towns/communities Bread colonies
Beaver colonies
Fur trade
Lumber
Medium farms
Some industry and commerce
Trade and shipping Large plantations
Headright system
Cash crops (tobacco, rice, indigo)
Reliance on large labor force
Planter aristocracy
Social stratification
Slavery
Fear of slave rebellion
Isolated, rural communities
Other factors Religion Proprietor ownership Motivations for money (joint stock)
Sample #1
The colonies of British North America developed distinct characteristics throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. New England’s rocky soil and harsh climate limited farming and encouraged the development of a diverse economy and close knit communities. The fertile soil, sea ports, and rivers of the Middle Colonies allowed them to evolve into the “bread and beaver” colonies, focusing heavily on the production of grains and development of commerce. The colonies of the Chesapeake and Deep South profited from their fertile soil and long growing season, and cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo soon created a socially stratified, slave society. Thus, geography laid the groundwork for the growth of each of these three regions and was the primary factor in the development of colonial America.
Sample #2
The colonies of British North America developed distinct characteristics throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. While the