Module: American LiteraureGroup:03 Section: B

Assignment: what are the key differences between the southern and northern settlements in
America? Try to spot significant differences in terms of Geography, Culture, Economy, and History

By the mid-1700s, Colonial America was divided into three distinct sections. However, the New
England region and the Southern areas, which differed different geographically, politically, and
socially, were the most significant.
A. Geography & Climate:
The colonies were located along the Atlantic Ocean, with New France to the north and New
Spain to the south. While Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island
were part of the New England area, the so-called Northern settlements. Maryland, Virginia, North
Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia were all part of the Southern Region, also known as the
Chesapeake Colonies. These colonies were located on opposite sides of America so naturally, they had
different climates. The Southern colonies were very hot while New England was bitterly cold; the hot
weather made life in the south much harsher and the death expectancy was ten years shorter than
that of New England. Many people in the North lived longer because of the cleaner water and the
cooler temperatures which slowed down the spreading of diseases.
B. Economy :

Despite the fact that New England was cooler, the soil was not fertile at all; therefore the
economy was based on manufacturing. New England had skilled craftsmen industry of
shipbuilding .So, Trade, lumber and fishing from the Atlantic Ocean were the primary source there.
Eventually, many New England shippers grew wealthy buying slaves from West Africa in return for
rum, and selling the slaves to the West Indies in return for molasses. This process was called the
"triangular trade."The southern economy, on the other hand, was based on agriculture. They were
largely considered the plantation colonies. The climate and soil of the tidewater were excellent for
farming and cultivation. Many southern colonists grew crops such as tobacco, cotton and rice. Soil in
the tidewater was rich and fertile, and the area received plenty of rain. Besides, many of the settlers
living in the South were planters this had a great effect on the growing seasons.

C. Culture & History:

The two regions differ greatly when it comes to the reasons for settlements as well. The North was
established for mainly religious freedom, while on the other hand, the south had been established for
economic freedom. That is to say, The Southern Colonies were founded as business endeavours in
search of natural resources to offer financial prosperity to themselves. In contrast, Early New
England colonists were predominantly religious reformers and separatists. They were looking for a
new way of life in order to praise God and improve their spiritual lives.

D. Religion:
 The New England colonists were largely Puritans, and the Southern colonies were largely
Anglican

E. Society Structure:
Many individuals moved to the New England areas in groups and families. In contrast to the
Southern colonies, where there was a scarcity of women, population growth was slower. The
urbanisation of the New England colonies resulted in the establishment of elementary and
secondary schools for education. For instance, Eighty-six years before the first college in Virginia,
Harvard College in Massachusetts was established. As a result, many students received tutoring
rather than attending school
F. Slavery:
Another large difference between New England and the Southern colonies is slavery. The
disagreement between the North and the south regarding slavery divided the nation and led to a
bloody civil war. The Northerners defended the abolition of slavery not for moral reasons as they
claimed but for economic factors and the creation of a new American ideology. However, the
Southerners believed that ending the spread of slavery would devastate their economic growth due to
the fact that most were used on plantations.