Essential Question
How did geography and economic systems create different societies in colonial America?
Use This Unit for Your Capstone!
This unit shows the FOUNDATION of American society - use it for both capstone questions:
Question 1: What revolutionary ideas did America create?
Look for: Early self-government examples - Mayflower Compact, House of Burgesses, town meetings in New England
Why it matters: These were EARLY experiments with self-government. Colonists practiced democracy BEFORE the Revolution - this laid the foundation for American ideals!
Question 2: Who fought to claim these ideals?
Look for: Who was excluded from the beginning - Indigenous peoples (land taken, sovereignty ignored), enslaved Africans (brought for labor, no rights), social structure (wealthy white men on top)
KEY MESSAGE: Colonial America set up the social structure that would need to change. Understanding who was included and excluded from the start helps explain later struggles for freedom.
Key Concepts
The Big Idea: The 13 colonies developed very different societies based on their geography, climate, and natural resources. These differences shaped their economies, social structures, and eventually their perspectives on independence.
Major Themes
- Regional Differences: New England, Middle, and Southern colonies had distinct characteristics
- Geography Shapes Economy: Climate and natural resources determined what colonists could produce and trade
- Indigenous Impact: European colonization displaced and devastated Indigenous peoples
- Labor Systems: Different regions used different forms of labor (indentured servants, enslaved people, small farmers)
- Early Self-Government: Colonies began developing their own forms of representative government
Essential Vocabulary
Click each card to see the definition
The Three Colonial Regions
New England Colonies
Colonies: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire
Geography & Climate: Rocky soil, cold winters, forests, harbors
Economy:
- Fishing and whaling (Atlantic Ocean)
- Shipbuilding (plenty of timber)
- Trade and commerce
- Small farms (subsistence farming)
Society:
- Town meetings (direct democracy)
- Strong emphasis on education and religion
- Compact towns and communities
The Three Colonial Regions
Middle Colonies
Colonies: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware
Geography & Climate: Moderate climate, fertile soil, rivers
Economy:
- Known as the "Breadbasket" (grew wheat, barley, oats)
- Farming and milling
- Trade through port cities (New York, Philadelphia)
- Diverse economy
Society:
- Most diverse region (many ethnic and religious groups)
- Religious tolerance (especially Pennsylvania)
- Mix of small farms and larger estates
The Three Colonial Regions
Southern Colonies
Colonies: Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia
Geography & Climate: Warm climate, long growing season, fertile soil, coastal plains
Economy:
- Large plantations growing cash crops
- Tobacco (Virginia, Maryland)
- Rice and indigo (South Carolina)
- Relied heavily on enslaved labor
Society:
- Wealthy plantation owners held most power
- Large gap between rich and poor
- Enslaved Africans made up large portion of population
- Spread-out farms and plantations
Important Colonies & Documents
- Jamestown (1607) - Virginia First permanent English settlement in North America; struggled initially but survived through tobacco farming; established House of Burgesses (1619) - first representative assembly in colonies
- Plymouth (1620) - Massachusetts Founded by Pilgrims seeking religious freedom; signed Mayflower Compact before landing (agreement to govern themselves and follow laws)
- Mayflower Compact (1620) Agreement for self-government; early example of representative government in colonies
- House of Burgesses (1619) Virginia's representative assembly; colonists could elect representatives to make laws
Indigenous Perspectives
The Often-Forgotten Story: Before Europeans arrived, millions of Indigenous people lived in North America with their own complex societies, governments, and economies.
- Impact of Colonization: European diseases killed vast numbers of Indigenous people; land was taken through warfare and treaties; traditional ways of life were destroyed
- Different Relationships: Some Indigenous nations traded with colonists; others fought to defend their land; relationships varied by region
- Displacement: As colonies expanded, Indigenous peoples were pushed off their ancestral lands
- Cultural Loss: Languages, traditions, and entire communities were lost due to European colonization
Videos & Resources
Review these videos and resources from class:
📁 Class Slides & Resources
Access all slides, handouts, and materials from this unit:
Open Unit 1 Google Drive Folder →Note: Requires Edmonds School District account to access
Reflection Questions
Use these to help you prepare your capstone answer:
- How did climate and geography shape what each region could grow or produce?
- Why did the Southern colonies rely on enslaved labor while New England did not?
- How did economic differences lead to different social structures?
- What was life like for different groups (wealthy planters, small farmers, indentured servants, enslaved people, Indigenous peoples)?
- How did early forms of self-government (House of Burgesses, Mayflower Compact, town meetings) plant seeds for independence later?
- How did colonization impact Indigenous peoples in different regions?
Check Your Notes & Assignments
To gather more evidence for your capstone, look back at:
- Your "Three Colonial Regions" notes and charts
- Jamestown and Plymouth notes
- Mayflower Compact activity
- Indigenous Perspectives handout
- Colonial scenarios and simulations
- Your vocabulary work and word wall
For Your Capstone Project
Evidence from This Unit:
For Question 1 (Revolutionary Ideals):
- Mayflower Compact (1620): Early example of self-government - colonists agreed to make and follow laws together
- House of Burgesses (1619): First representative assembly in America - people elected representatives to make laws
- Town meetings in New England: Direct democracy - townspeople gathered to make decisions together
- Why it matters: Colonists practiced self-government BEFORE the Revolution - this laid the foundation for American democratic ideals!
For Question 2 (Struggle for Inclusion):
- Indigenous peoples: Original inhabitants whose land was taken through colonization; sovereignty and rights ignored
- Enslaved Africans: Brought through Triangle Trade; forced labor with no rights or freedoms
- Social structure: Colonial society placed wealthy white men at the top; women, poor colonists, and non-Europeans excluded from power
- KEY MESSAGE: Understanding who was included and excluded from the beginning helps explain later struggles. The foundation of American society needed to change to match American ideals.