Colonial America
Between 1607 and 1733, thirteen British colonies were established along the eastern coast of North America. These colonies became the foundation of the United States.
Why Europeans Came to America
European settlers came to the Americas for many reasons:
- Religious freedom — Pilgrims (1620) and Puritans fled religious persecution in England
- Economic opportunity — land was plentiful; people sought wealth through farming and trade
- Adventure and exploration — some were sent by companies or monarchs to claim land
- Escaping debt or prison — Georgia was founded partly as a place for debtors
The 13 Colonies
| Region | Colonies | Economy |
|---|---|---|
| New England | Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire | Fishing, shipbuilding, small farms, trade |
| Middle Colonies | New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware | "Breadbasket" — wheat, corn, diverse trades, religious tolerance |
| Southern Colonies | Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia | Large plantations — tobacco, rice, indigo; enslaved labor |
Daily Life in Colonial Times
Life in the colonies was very different from today:
- Most people farmed — there were no grocery stores
- Children worked alongside adults; many could not attend school
- Skilled workers called artisans made everything by hand — shoes, furniture, barrels
- The town meeting in New England allowed colonists to vote on local issues — an early form of democracy
Slavery in the Colonies
The Southern economy relied heavily on enslaved African people who were forced to work on plantations. This unjust system lasted until the Civil War (1865).
Quick Quiz
Test what you just learned. Choose the best answer for each question.