comparison of the three colonial regions !!

• northern colonies:

  • economy based on skilled, artisan labor — woven pieces, metal tools, finished goods.

  • environment was rocky and cold. ideal for water powered mills, not farming.

  • colonists were heavily tied to the church + village communities

• middle colonies:

  • good soil and moderate weather was ideal for farming — small to large farms.

  • coastal lowlands and many bays promoted naval shops and trading ports.

• southern colonies:

  • great soil and longer growing season was ideal for cash crops — plantations arose.

  • less towns and cities, people were self sufficient.

    • wealthy aristocrats and slave labor — social and economic divide.

  • life was rugged and rural, promoting independence.

colonies lacked gold to trade, forcing them to barter with other items of value. therefore, they became a source of raw materials and a market for finished goods.

• maximized exports, minimized imports

as the colonies grow more, the disparity between the rich and poor grows wider

• rural areas displayed their wealth through land mass

• urban areas displayed their wealth through their clothing and material possessions

  • luxury items (tea, linen, glassware) became necessities