The New England and Southern colonies were the territories occupied by English pilgrims during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. These early pilgrims and pioneers came over from England and set up farms and communities in several areas on the east coast of North America. Although they were occupying similar areas geographically the colonies had several differences due to the political leanings of their citizens and the agricultural contributions made to developing the colonies. This area became known as Colonial America. The last state of these colonies was name Georgia after King George II, the king of England, at that time. Show
What is New England Colonies?New England occupied the northern area of the three sets of colonies known as Colonial America. It was closer geographically to Canada and the cooler regions of the coast. The New England area supported small farms that catered for family needs. The soil was poor and sandy. Lumbering, ship building, fishing and whaling were other industries that developed in the New England colonies. The colonies were democratic in their governance, but there was a strong religious influence and the church had a say in the governing of the colonies in New England. This is known as a Theocracy. The New England colonies supported one another to build a single class system, a middle class society. Equality and hard work was an important factor in their development. What are the main features of the New England territories?
What is Southern Territories?The Southern territories were the southern part of what was known as Colonial America. These colonies followed on along the east coast of America after the New England colonies and the Middle colonies. The Southern Territories were also pioneered by British stock, but their agricultural and cultural development followed a different path. The Southern Territories were supported by wealthy plantation owners. Slave trade was encouraged and enabled the plantation owners to run the large plantations economically. These plantations grew tobacco and other cash crops. The tobacco industry made the land owners very rich and powerful. The class distinction grew between the upper class of large plantation owners and a middle class of small plantation owners. These groups were followed by poor white folk and the slaves used on the plantations. It was an oligarchy society, meaning a few powerful wealthy plantation owners controlled the government. This would be considered a despotic form of governance and not democratic. What are the main features of the Southern Territories?
Differences between New England and the Southern ColoniesNew England’s territories were situated further north on the map showing the east coast and the territories there. The Southern Territories were in the southern end of the area occupied by these territories and together they were known as Colonial America. New England was more democratic, but with a heavy influence from the churches. They had a theocracy in place giving more freedom than the south, but the churches were involved in governing the colonies. Politically the Southern Territories were not entirely democratic. This was because a few wealthy and influential plantation owners were the powers behind the government. The Southern Territories were very wealthy due to the successful plantations yielding large portions of money. The plantations made their owners wealthy as a result of their agricultural development and in particular the tobacco crops. New England had simple farming resources that catered for the New England families. The other industries, like lumbering and fishing, were not producing the same quantities of crops and industries that were found in the Southern Territories. The New England pioneers were far more religious than the Southern Territories. They looked out for each other and religion was an important aspect of their lives. The citizens of New England built Meeting Houses in every town. These Meeting Houses were like congregational churches and ensured that everyone could go to church. The religious people were mainly Puritans and led strict devout lives. Anyone straying from their customs and religious practices was seen to be a threat to the order of governance and religious practices. They were severely punished. The Southern Territories were predominantly Baptist and Anglican and religion played a small part in the running of their territories. The use of slaves was a common practice in the Southern Territories The New England territories experienced colder weather due to being further north and closer to Canada and a colder climate. The Southern territories were warmer as they were further south nearer the equator. Here is a “Comparison chart” to make the differences much more easier for you! New England verses Southern ColoniesSummary of New England verses Southern Colonies:
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