Chapter 2, Section 3Colonial Society (44-49)

Main Idea

• Colonists developed different ways of living as they continued to grow and develop their own culture and beliefs.

I. The Economy (45-46)A. Geography played a large role in the

development of the colonies. (Climate, soil, terrain, availability of rivers and harbors,

natural resources, etc.)

B. New England 1. Most lived in towns

2. Long winters made farming difficult.3. Main industries included milling, clothing, furniture, and

4. Shipbuilding was the most important

C. Middle Colonies (NY, NJ, Penn., Del.)

1. More suited for agriculture than NE.

grew large amounts of Wheat, cash crops

2. Large ports for trade in New York and Philly.

3. Abundant natural resources led to sawmills, mines, & ironworks.

D. Southern Colonies

1.Maryland, Virginia, NC, SC, and Georgia.

2. Warmer climate, long growing season.

3. Great soil for growing crops such as rice, tobacco, and cotton.

Leading crops: Tobacco-Md, Va, NC

Rice- SC, Ga

grown in Tidewater areas

4. Tidewater- areas of flat, low plains, near the seacoast of Virginia and NC.

5. Relied heavily on African American slaves.

II. American Identity (47-49) A. Religion

1. Many came to America for religious freedom.

2. Many religious leaders were also leaders of colonial government.

(Mass.-Puritans expelled anyone who didn’t share beliefs ) 3. Other colonies- religion & gov. were

separate (Penn/RI toleration drew settlers of different faiths) **Religious tolerance gradually spread to other

colonies in 1700’s

4. Great Awakening- powerful religious revival in the 1720’s where faith swept through the colonies.

B. Education1. Religion influenced the creation of many

colleges and universities***Harvard (Mass), Princeton (NJ),

William and Mary (VA)*** Colleges founded to train ministers

2. Religions also set up public schools Why?

to make sure people could read the bible3. It was against the law to teach slaves.

Slaves were not allowed to read or write.

C. Family Life

1. Family was very important

2. All family members including wives and children contributed to the family.

3. Women could hold jobs but did not have full rights under the law.

D. Thoughts on Government1. Enlightenment reinforced the idea of

natural rights (Locke) and individualism2. Great Awakening encouraged Christians

to question traditional authority and rely on own insights about God

3. These 2 influences created a feeling of Egalitarianism. (spirit of freedom and

equality).

4. Colonists had a strong belief in their traditional rights as native English people and faith in Parliament to protect these rights.

E. Growing Discontent

1. Many colonists felt like they were not being granted full rights as they would in England.

2. Americans looked for answers but the British government was unresponsive.

3. Feelings of independence started to grow…

Mini Quiz!!! O.A.R- This Town

1. In what colonial region was farming more common and successful?

2. In what region was North Carolina in terms of colonial settlement?

3. What was the initial purpose of the original colleges and universities in the colonies?

4. Who did most of the work on the plantations?