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Colonial Differences Between The Chesapeake And New England Colonies

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During the 16th and 17th centuries, Europeans rapidly colonized the newly discovered Americas. England particularly sent numerous groups to colonize the eastern coast of North America. These groups separated into two regions - the Chesapeake and New England Colonies. The differences between the two colonies as it relates to their reasons for emigration, their economies, and their religious practices were distinct. Many of these original differences have faded into our collective history but many are still evident today. These differences provide insight into where we’ve come from, who we are as a nation, and where we may be headed. The original Chesapeake Region included the Colonies of Virginia and Maryland. Both Colonies were centered …show more content…

The Catholic Church restricted individuals on their everyday life, and Protestantism appeared to be the best choice for many. King Henry VIII also established the Anglican Church, which was strongly enforced on the Englishmen. Protestants and Catholics in this society were treated poorly. Some were even fined by the government or sent to jail. “The English nation was in a state of religious turmoil with no religion to unify its citizens [10].” [10] The economies of the Chesapeake and New England Colonies were distinctly different. In the eighteenth century, tobacco was the greatest contributor to its successful economy. Tobacco also contributed to the Chesapeake society, including the settlement pattern centered around plantations and the importance of slave labor. “Between 1690 and 1770, planters imported 100,000 people of African descent to the Chesapeake to work in the tobacco fields …show more content…

Because New England’s geography consists mostly thin rocky soil, it was only suitable for small family farming. Although, the production of lumber, fisheries, and harbors of the region made up for the loss of agriculture. New England’s economy looked towards a more seaward growth such as shipbuilding, whaling, and sea trade. When Boston became an important port of Atlantic trade, the colony's economy grew significantly, and created great economic success in New England. [13] The religious practices of the Chesapeake and New England Colonies were very dissimilar. Settlers of the Chesapeake Colonies went to churches whose “style and decoration look more familiar to modern Americans than the plain New England meeting houses [14].” Church goers would attend church for most of the day on Sunday. After 1760, Southern churches grew significantly in size and style. This was the result of the growing construction of churches, clerical bodies, organization, and enforcement. “Toward the end of the colonial era, churchgoing reached at least 60 percent in all the colonies [14].”

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