American Colonies Characteristics

4. There were many regional characteristics evident in the British colonies. Southern colonies had hot, humid weather, mild winters, and swampy marshes contributed to high mosquito populations, thus making colonists more susceptible to diseases like malaria and had shorter life spans. Southern colonies also had good farmland and long growing seasons that enabled mass production of cash crops like tobacco. Additionally, rivers and coasts provided access to the sea. The Chesapeake colonies benefited from the James River and the Chesapeake Bay. Riverbanks and good soil enabled the development of plantations, but warm, moist climate carried diseases that killed many settlers. Now, the middle colonies experienced cold winters and moderate summers. The longer growing seasons and healthy farmland (especially in Maryland) benefited agriculture and allowed settlers to become landowners. The central location of these colonies enabled lots of trade in New Netherland and Philadelphia. Finally, the New England …show more content…
Each side created alliances with American Indians and the British and French began the war over the Ohio River Valley. The French won early battles, so the British forced the colonists to join the war effort, thus increasing success for Britain. These disputes ended with the Treaty of Paris, which was signed in 1763. The French and Indian War had many benefits for the colonists, such as economic success. However, it also had drawbacks for American Indians as they lost power and influence regardless of their alliances. The Proclamation of 1763 also denied colonial settlement on the Ohio River Valley and this, combined with new British taxes, angered the colonists. So, war allows for new opportunities and resources, and allows us to protect our homeland and other countries, but is expensive and can result in the loss of human