Distinctive Characteristics Of The British North American Colonies In The 1700s

The Eastern region of North American continent was swarmed with English in the 18th century. Initially directed under British rule, the English formed colonies in North, middle, and Southern regions along the Atlantic Ocean. The three regions each possessed distinct environments and features, so different groups of people occupied each colonies. Thus, the British North American colonies in the 1700’s developed distinctive characteristics, yet also shared similar characteristics which bonded them together.

As various people settled in different regions, both similarities and differences in the social aspects of the North American Colonies developed. In the New England colonies, puritans made up the majority of the population. They established

the Congregationalist church, and lived based on strict rules of moral and social behavior. In addition, the puritans valued education; they regarded it as a necessity for an individual to avoid the devil. The middle colonies were the most diverse of all, both ethnically and religiously. They were open to immigrations, and non-English Europeans, such as Germans and Scots-Irish filled large parts of the population. The middle colonies did not have established church, which means there were no government-supported church. They eventually opened to all religions. In the southern colonies, the population was very widespread. As a result, the colonies did not develop socially as much as the other two colonies. A single branch of christianity was dominant in the south. The Anglican church from England was the only tax-supported church. Plus, the widespread population made public schools difficult to be established. So private tutors and academies became popular methods of education. Enlightenment and the Great Awakening, on the other hand, bloomed throughout the North American colonies as a whole. All 13 colonies were effected by religious revivalism, as religious leaders were concerned by the lack of piety within the colonists. Also, the age of reason began in all the colonies, allowing the people to think of themselves, rather than relying too much on the church. The social aspects of the British North American colonies affected colonists’ daily lives, and greatly influenced the political characteristics of the different regions.
Political development was significant in all three British North American colonies, although it slightly differed within the regions. The New England colony was dominated by puritans and naturally, religion played an important role. The majority of their leaders were people known as ‘elects’, who the puritans thought were chosen for salvation. They were also called ‘visible saints’, and made many political decisions. On the other hand, in the middle colonies, merchants were at the top of the society, as trade was the primary source of profit. Moreover, social classes were evident, and the colonists lived on principle public responsibility. The Southern colonists preferred smaller county governments, rather than a larger, central one. Despite the differences, the major political system of the colonies were very similar. Self government was practiced throughout the entire colonies. Bicameral legislature, which were spread in all colonies, was made of two parts: upper and lower house. The lower house was elected directly by the colonists themselves, and the upper house was elected by the lower house. All colonists elected their own leaders, rather than be ruled by the designated rulers from England. In addition, the policy of salutary neglect contributed to self-government greatly, prohibiting interference and increasing the colonies’ individuality.