<p>For my A.P U.S class, we had to read 3 chapters in our textbook. I do not like history as much as I do other subjects, and after almost finishing the reading, I kept wondering what the different was between the Chesapeake colonies and the New England colonies. For many of you, you prob. think I am joking - but I am not kidding. I am having a debate next week and have other assignments to due with early colonization, and I am nervous cause I dont even know this. Can anyone who is apt in U.S History, please help me out? Thanks </p>
<p>So again , what are the Chesapeake colonies, who founded them, and what are the major differences between them and the New England colonies? When did the two finally unite?</p>
<p>New England Colonies:
-Founded for religious freedom (thus making many of these colonies VERY religious at the time)
-Northeast Colonies (Massachussetts[main to know], Connecticut, Rhode Island, etc.)
-Industrialized, non agrarian; limited agriculture (subsistance farming only [farming for local villages, not trade]); this was due to the rocky terrane and lack of flat, fertile land. Industry with mills made easier with streams.
-People came in family units generally
-More of a "village-and-community" mindset; community before the individual.</p>
<p>Chesapeake Colonies:
-Southern Colonies (Virginia, this is the main one to know)
-Not-so-religious
-Founded for economic and propretary purposes; also known as "Proprietary Colonies"
-Non-industrial; agrarian; grew "cash crops" to be traded and sold (Main: TOBACCO) due to plentiful flat fertile land.
-Attracted more individual males looking for prosperity.
-Individual first.</p>
<p>runningcircles summarized the main important points. Research those and you should be good to know.</p>
<p>As for leaders, look into John Smith for the Chesapeake, John Winthrop for New England. Those two basically summarize the goals/motives/methods that leaders in the two areas had. </p>
<p>You don't see much unity among the colonies until the end of salutary neglect (post French and Indian war, 1760s), and even then, it's more about mutual grievances than common interest. The colonies continued to bicker even after independence about the structure and role of government in the new country, and issues like the National Bank and the tariff (IMO- two of the very most boring debates in american history). But anyway, the first major attempt at unity was the Albany Congress, called in 1754 (I think) to unite the colonies in the French and Indian War, but this wasn't very successful. However, it did pave the way for congresses after the war, in which leaders from each colony met to discuss mutual organization and unity against the British (think the stamp act congress and the continental congresses).</p>
<p>thanks soooooooo much runningncircles and vegangirl! You guys really know your U.S History- damn! Anyway, thanks again for giving up some of your time to answer my question. ttyl, vinny380</p>