Unit 2.3: Regions of British Colonies: Development and Expansion

The Regions of British Colonies: Shaping Development and Expansion (1607-1754)

Overview of British Colonies

  • Learning Objective: To explain how environmental and other factors shaped the development and expansion of various British colonies from 1607 to 1754 in North America.

  • Regional Differences: English colonies developed distinct regional or sectional differences influenced by:

    • Topography

    • Natural resources

    • Climate

    • Backgrounds of settlers

  • Establishment: From Jamestown (Virginia) in 1607 to Georgia in 1733, 13 distinct colonies emerged along the Atlantic coast.

  • Colonial Authority: Each colony received its authority through a charter from the monarch, granting special privileges and defining the relationship between the colony and the crown.

  • Types of Charters/Colonies: Over time, three main types developed:

    • Corporate colonies: Operated by joint-stock companies, especially in early years (e.g., Jamestown).

    • Royal colonies: Under direct authority and rule of the king's government (e.g., Virginia after 1624).

    • Proprietary colonies: Under the authority of individuals granted ownership charters by the king (e.g., Maryland and Pennsylvania).

  • English Political Tradition: The British prided themselves on free farmers and had a tradition of representative government, with elections for representatives deciding measures like taxes. This contrasted with French and Spanish colonial models.

  • Growing Independence: Political and religious conflicts in England fostered feelings for independence in the colonies, eventually leading to tensions between the king and his colonial subjects.

Early English Settlements

  • Early colonies were founded for diverse reasons and hundreds of miles apart in Virginia and Massachusetts.

Jamestown, Virginia

  • Founding: Chartered by England's King James I, the Virginia Company (a joint-stock company) founded Jamestown in 1607, the first permanent English colony in America.

  • Early Problems:

    • Location: Swampy area along James River led to dysentery and malaria.

    • Settlers' Mistakes: Many