Colonial Culture: Three Ways of
Life
1607-1776
New England Colonies
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
New Hampshire
Connecticut
Political (Government)
• The Mayflower Compact established the
principle that government comes from the
people
• Town meetings were the most direct form of
democracy in the New England colonies.
Economic (Finances)
• Fishing, shipbuilding, sea trade, naval
stores, furs. Thin, rocky soil made farming
unproductive. Only subsistence farming
was present.
Religious
• Congregational Church was the state, taxsupported church (except in Rhode Island).
• It was created by the Puritans/Pilgrims who came
to America for religious freedom.
• They hoped to create a “city upon a hill” as a
model of godliness
• Roger Williams was banished to RI because he
believed in separation of Church and State.
Social (Relationships)
• Urban; towns surrounded by fields
• Strong sense of community
• Supported compulsory public education
Middle Colonies
Political
• As in Virginia, all the colonies eventually
had a representative legislature (called
assembly), with the power to vote on taxes.
• Members were elected by white male
property owners (and in a few colonies,
female property owners).
Economic
• Family grain farms (foodstuffs)
• Seaports
• Iron works
Bread Basket
Religious
• Quaker belief in “inner light” fostered
tolerance of other religions.
Social
• The most egalitarian of the colonies (a
matter of degree).
• Private (Dame) schools offered education to
some
Southern Colonies
Political
• The king chose the governor and council.
• The House of Burgesses was representative
and was made up of white male property
owners.
Economic
• Joint-stock companies originally sent
settlers to southern colonies
• Geography lended itself to plantations and
small farms that grew cash crops of
tobacco, rice, and indigo.
• Indentured servants and African slaves were
used as workers.
Religious
• Anglican Church the state church: taxes
and membership required
• The Act of Toleration allowed all religions
to practice freely in Roman Catholic
Maryland.
Social
• Rural; few towns. Plantation life modeled
on English country life.
• Authoritarian and deference societies.
• Wealthy were educated by tutors or sent to
England for education.