Prosperity of Tobacco Crops in Early America

The Middle region consisting of Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania established its lines based on the prosperity of Tobacco Crops, a sanctuary for Catholicism, and a more tolerant society inspired by William Penn.

Virginia found prosperity in Tobacco. Pocahontas’s husband, John Rolfe, innovated this inexpensive crop making it a stable economic source for Virginia. The high demand for tobacco produced in the New World increased the demand for the land to grow it on. This desire for land depleted the quality of the soil and also pushed Virginia’s borders further west. Virginia was predominantly protestant and the basis of its government was the assembly known as the House of Burgesses. It was a representative self government in the form of a small parliament.

Maryland was founded in 1634 by Lord Baltimore who was from an upper class Catholic family. He had the desire to earn profits and to create a refuge for Catholics. He gave large plots of land to Catholic members of his family. Maryland became the home of many Catholics causing some tensions with the proximity of their predominately protestant neighbor Virginia. These tensions were calmed with The Act of Toleration passed in 1649 by a local representative assembly. This granted tolerance to all Christians. However, its tolerance was that of a selective nature. It failed to extend tolerance towards Jews and atheists. Instead of tolerance they received the death penalty instead. (32)

The King of England awarded William Penn a large amount of land in 1681 as part of a debt he owed to the family. The King called this area Pennsylvania. Penn sought to change the name of this region so that it was not assumed that he had named it after himself in vain. Penn was passionate about the believe system of the Quakers and established a “surprisingly modern atmosphere in an unmodern age.” Pennsylvania was well advertised toward potential new settlers and attracted many people. It was a society based on the freedom of worship, peacefulness towards Indians, no restrictions on immigration, and a dislike for black slavery. The death penalty was only used for treason and murder.

The Southern colonies North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia established reputations of their own. This region attracted the more liberal minded who wished to leave Virginia as well as had a greater connection to The English West Indies.

North Carolina was referred to as “the quintessence of Virginia’s discontent.