Similarities between the Settler Societies of New England, the Middle Colonies, Chesapeake, and the South
The settler societies of New England, the middle colonies, the Chesapeake, and the South had similarities as well as many differences, some being religious beliefs, labor, and their societies economic standpoint. In the article, “Advice to a Young Tradesman” by Benjamin Franklin, it’s stated, “…the way to wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the way to market. It depends chiefly on two words, industry and frugality; that is, waste neither time nor money, but make the best use of both.” Even though these societies faced different economic and social structures, the overall common goal of each society was to be successful and make profits. After Queen Elizabeth I passed away, James Stuart took over as ruler, which led the New England society to be based on “religious and economic forces.” (Jones, Wood, Borstelmann, May, Ruiz 35). The New England colonies were founded in search of seeking religious freedom from the Anglican Church, leading to Puritanism. Jones, Borstelmann, May, and Ruiz argued from the textbook that the Anglican Church shouldn’t be secured to a monarchy, but should be self-governing based on certain religious beliefs. (40). New England’s economy was also suffering around this time. “New England faced peculiar disadvantages, beginning with the soil…New Englanders found no staple crop that could be sold back directly to Britain to create a balance of trade.” (Jones, Borstelmann, May, Ruiz 117). The economic downfall that New England was facing led them to go out to sea to alleviate the economy. The few similarities between the Chesapeake and New England would be they were founded around the same time period by people of English descent. Unlike New England, where religion was a key factor to their society, Chesapeake was big on slavery, which led to the slave labor camps. The Chesapeake was mainly founded in order to earn money, after suffering from a severe drought they found Orinoco tobacco, which led to a better economy. “Tobacco, grown