How Did The North American Colonies Develop

Several factors caused the English North American colonies to develop into distinct regions. These factors include climate, geography, and means of production. The climates between the British colonies all differed greatly in terms of weather, temperature, and precipitation. The geography was also different along the East Coast, ranging from mountains to hilly plateaus to coastal plains. Furthermore, the means of production varied greatly between the colonies, from their natural resources to the abilities of the colonists. The Northern colonies had short growing seasons, long winters with snow and ice, and almost yearlong cold temperatures. This climate was averse to planting, and kept them from growing many crops. The geography itself was also …show more content…
Iron ore and other metal and mineral deposits created the large-scale production of many metal tools, and abundant forests allowed for a lumber and shipbuilding trade (though smaller than the Northern colonies’). The Middle colonists were hardworking like the Northern colonists, but also allowed for religious and ethnic freedom, leading to a society that was more relaxed and lived a simpler life. Though not as distinctly different as the Southern and Northern colonies, the Middle colonies were still able to develop into a unique and individual entity. The Southern colonies mainly consisted of coastal plains and flatlands. Paired with a very warm climate and mild winters, the Southern colonies became the perfect place for the production and exportation of cash crops. Tobacco, indigo, cotton, and sugar became the basis of the Southern economy, with plantations and manor houses abounding among the society. However, because the temperatures were so hot, colonists and Native Americans found it difficult to work the long days in the fields necessary for the creation of the