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Geography, economy, and religion were all important factors in shaping the development of British colonies in North America during the 17th century. The British settled in various regions such as New England, Middle, and Southern regions.
While the separatists originally came to North America for religious purposes, the development and success of New England was not primarily driven by this motivation. Geography played a vital role in shaping economic activities and trade, as the environment dictated the colonists' livelihood. The cold climate, dense forests, and rocky soil of New England made agriculture challenging, leading settlers to rely on natural resources like fish, whaling, and shipbuilding instead.
Coastal towns flourished thanks to industries such as cod fishing, which played a key role in driving regional growth. Settlements along the coast emphasized how geography influenced New England's economy, with the cod fishing industry and triangular trade being crucial factors in its prosperity.
Adam Smith highlighted the importance of cod fishing in colonial New England for the economy in The Wealth of Nations.
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The triangular trade route that arrived in Boston during the 17th century showcased how the economy played a significant role in shaping the development of the colonies. This trade included trading rum produced in New England for slaves from Africa, who were then transported to Caribbean plantations where molasses was acquired and brought back to New England for rum production.
The rise of rum-making distilleries in Massachusetts and Rhode Island was fueled by new economic development, which also spurred growth in industries such as shipbuilding to transport goods to far-off places like Africa.
Alongside economic factors, religion played a key role in shaping the New England colonies. Seeking escape from religious persecution by King James I, a group of separatists initially moved to Holland before ultimately settling in the Massachusetts Bay colony under the Virginia Company's jurisdiction after twelve years. Despite a shared faith, there were varying beliefs within these religious communities.
Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams were important figures in the founding of New England, both establishing their own colonies. Hutchinson challenged Puritan beliefs by stating that being pious did not guarantee salvation, and those truly saved were not required to follow God's laws. As a result, she was banished and later joined Williams in Rhode Island, where he had also been exiled for opposing the unfair taking of Native American land by the bay colony. Rhode Island became a popular destination because of its acceptance of all religions, including Jewish and Catholic individuals.
Geography was essential for the expansion of the Middle Colonies, with New York and Philadelphia strategically located at the mouths of the Hudson River and Delaware River for trade. The coastal setting allowed profitable trading posts to be established, boosting economic success. Pennsylvania's fertile land and mild climate were perfect for agriculture, while resources such as timber, fur, coal, and iron ore fueled economic growth. By utilizing their port locations for exports and producing iron goods locally, the Middle Colonies flourished economically.
The geography of the Middle Colonies, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, was instrumental in fostering profitable trading centers. With excellent harbors for exporting cash crops like grain and importing goods, cities thrived. Philadelphia saw rapid growth as a result of trade, leading to developments such as Independence Hall and paved roads with streetlights. Similarly, New York's bustling port facilitated the handling of products like flour, bread, furs, and whale oil.
The trade ports in the cities of the Middle Colonies not only brought about substantial profit and advancement, but also attracted a wide variety of immigrant groups to these port cities. Among them were the Germans, who played a crucial part in the economy of the Middle Colonies. Proficient in farming and craftsmanship, they introduced Conestoga wagons for transporting produce and protecting it from rain. A significant number of Germans arrived as indentured servants seeking religious freedom, underscoring the impact of religion in the Middle Colonies.
William Penn became a Quaker at sixteen in 1660 and received a royal grant in 1681 to create a safe haven for Quakers. Pennsylvania, guided by his Quaker principles, was established without an official church or required loyalty, promoting gender equality and freedom of religion. Although Penn opposed slavery, the influx of immigrants who supported it led to the introduction of African slavery in the colony. This demonstrates how religion influenced the growth of the Middle Colonies, encouraging population growth while also initiating slavery in the North.
Geography played a vital role in the prosperity of the Southern Colonies. Despite facing disease challenges in Jamestown's swampy area, colonists turned to agriculture and thrived with tobacco, rice, and sugar plantations in Virginia, Maryland, and Carolina due to the fertile soil and warm climate. In the end, geography was essential for the growth and endurance of the Southern Colonies.
Thus, economics was pivotal in the growth of the Southern Colonies, as John Rolfe's introduction of tobacco as a colonial export brought prosperity to Jamestown. The rising need for land to cultivate tobacco necessitated more laborers, leading to the inception of African slavery in the colonies. This economic dependence on slavery not only influenced the values and perspectives of the colonies but also bolstered their economic prosperity, with Maryland boasting the largest slave population working on different plantations.
Despite the fact that religion played a minor role in comparison to geography and economics, it is evident that it had some significance in shaping the development of the Southern Colonies. This is exemplified by the Act of Toleration passed by the colony of Maryland in 1649, which granted toleration to all Christians while decreeing the death penalty for any group that denied the divinity of God. As a result, Maryland provided a safe haven for Roman Catholics after the colonial era, showcasing the impact of religion on the region.
Geography, religion, and economy all played a role in shaping colonial America's development. However, it was geography that made the most significant impact. The land and resources provided by geography were crucial for the colonies to thrive and transform into successful settlements. Each group had distinct features like the coast, ports, and fertility that served as the foundation for their industrious colonies.
Geography, Economy, and Religion in British Colonies: 17th Century Impacts. (2016, May 03). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-development-in-the-new-world-essay
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