Exploring the Development of the 13 English Colonies

Factors in the Development of the 13 English Colonies

• Geographical factors: availability of natural resources, climate, and proximity to the ocean influenced the development of the colonies
• Economic factors: desire for economic gain, trade, and mercantilism motivated the establishment of the colonies
• Religious factors: Religious persecution and freedom in England led to the establishment of colonies with religious tolerance, such as Maryland and Rhode Island
• Political factors: England's desire to expand its empire and compete with other European powers led to the establishment of colonies

Economic Patterns in the 13 English Colonies

• Cash crops: tobacco in the Chesapeake region, sugarcane in the Caribbean, and cotton in the South were key crops driving the colonial economy
• Trade: triangular trade, with colonies exporting cash crops and importing goods from England and other colonies
• Labor: use of indentured servants, enslaved Africans, and wage laborers to cultivate cash crops
• Mercantilism: the English government imposed policies to ensure the colonies' economic activities benefited England, such as the Navigation Acts

Political Patterns in the 13 English Colonies

• Colonial governments: royal colonies, charter colonies, and proprietary colonies, each with varying levels of autonomy and governance
• Representation: lack of representation in the English Parliament led to growing resentment among colonists
• Colonies' cooperation: colonies began to cooperate and coordinate their efforts, leading to the development of regional governments and eventually, the Continental Congress