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New England Colonies Dbq

Decent Essays

Alex Pang Mr. Eliason AP United States History 7 September 2015 Behind its neighbors, England finally decided to invest in settling in the New World during the 17th century. Many of the expeditions to North America were made by private organizations; stock companies and the rich alike shared a common ideal of having a fresh start from outside their homeland. Two colonies with one common nationality, however, became two diverse establishments in North America. The colonies in New England and the Chesapeake region developed into two substantially contrasting ways of life. The main colony in the New England region was Massachusetts, which included the Puritans, a group of religious settlers who wanted to purify the Protestant Church of England. …show more content…

New England’s colony had an elected governor who led the people. He was not a priest because the settlers wanted to move away from England’s church-specific leadership. However, in the Puritans’ church centered community, the lines between church and state were blurred, if not seen all. The Puritans held town hall meetings involving the community, but the court system was heavily weaved with the Church. Winthrop wrote about how Puritans must “consider [themselves] as a city upon a hill” (Doc A). The birthplace of American exceptionalism found its roots in Winthrop’s sermon. Contrary to Massachusetts, the Jamestown colonists had a governor who believed the fall of Jamestown would have its people sent into a frenzy from benefitting from its plunder (Doc G). Not only did he believe Jamestown would fail, he was a weak leader who was friends with the King of England. Therefore, he was rich and represented the upper class of Jamestown. Bacon believed “[unworthy parasites’ tottering fortunes] have been repaired and supported at the public charge” (Doc H). Here, parasites refers to the upper class, who Bacon suggested were stealing the wealth from those below. The governments of New England and Chesapeake reflected their inhabitants and the different motives underlying each …show more content…

The Puritanical colony of Massachusetts Bay was founded in 1630, and was born from the mindset of purifying the Church of England. Most people who voyaged from their motherland were families and their servants (Doc B). Lists of those who emigrated contain upwards of forty families. Also, in the Articles of Agreement of Springfield, Massachusetts everyone shared the planting ground (Doc D). Since the community shared most of the farmland, greed would not be an issue when deciding who would get what plot of land. Further, Puritans believed “we must entertain each other [with care, and] must be willing to [bridge ourselves] . . . [to supply for] others’ necessities” (Doc A). The community theme the Massachusetts people embody is further seen in family relying upon family. Differing from the New England list of emigrants, most Virginia-bound colonists were men who failed to bring their families or men who did not have families (Doc C). Many of the men aboard were jewelers, goldsmiths, and other tradesmen who believed they were going to become wealthy at their new colony. Captain John Smith recounts “[many of the worst among us were gold seekers] with their golden promises [and] made all men their slaves” (Doc F). Encroaching on the Native American’s land, Jamestown settlers stole their land in hope of uncovering gold in the area. With community not being a priority, the division between

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