The New England and Chesapeake

Although their origins were very similar, both coming from England, and coming to the new land to establish control of North America, the Chesapeake and New England regions differed in religion, economic goals, and in family ideals.

The New England and Chesapeake regions were founded in different locations, and for different purposes. New England founded for religious reasons. When in England, the Puritans were persecuted and they wanted to liberated from their control. They sailed across the Atlantic, and once over in the new world, Separatists broke away from Anglican Church and founded Plymouth. As John Winthrop said in A Model of Christian Charity “We shall be as a city upon a hill” meaning that the New England region would be a role model for colonies. Connecticut was founded by Puritans that sought to have stronger church-government alliances, like Massachusetts was. Even in New England, there were differences among the colonies. Rhode Island, founded by Roger Williams, was also founded for religious freedom.

The Chesapeake colonies were founded for economic reasons and to help support the mother country. Settlers in Jamestown looked for gold, and that was pretty much all they did.

John Smith said “but dig gold, wash gold, refine gold, load gold” indicating that all these men did was work for the economy. In the Chesapeake there were no Puritans, as the area was more focused on the economy rather than religion. Although Maryland was a refuge for the Catholics.

The Chesapeake brought indentured servants into their colonies and used them for labor. The different climate in the south made for great farming conditions. This lead to the south becoming a major tobacco grower. The long hot summers led to these great farming conditions.

Very similar to how the two regions had different climates, New England and Chesapeake colonies had political and economic differences as well. As an example New England was more democratic. Colonies were founded based on religion, and Puritans were persecuted back in England, but it was ironic that once in the New World, they were the ones prosecuting now. There was no slavery in New England and there were small farms. There was no strong hierarchy either. As far as economic were concerned, New England was less agriculture, more industry. Because of the long cold winters,