New England was a difficult place for farming due to its cold weather and short growing seasons. The Chesapeake region was seen as more desirable by many settlers as it had a milder climate. The New England colonies struggled with labor shortages as there was too much work and not enough workers, unlike the Chesapeake colonies which had a surplus of workers. The Puritan settlers who came to New England in the 1600s-1700s did so to escape religious persecution in England and establish their own religious communities, as they viewed the Church of England as too lenient. They were well-suited to the region's labor needs through their strong work ethic.

1. By Tiffany Jacobs HIST 140 (#50607) The English in North America

2. New England was not appealing to most people Weather was colder Crops were less abundant Shorter growing season Very difficult labor for farmers Harsh winters, hot summers Chesapeake was more desirable to many people Took some salesmanship on John Smith’s part to promote New England More “middlings” (similar to middle class) Most could afford their passage to New World American Colonies 8 – New England

3. Very different from England! There were plenty of workers There was very little work to be done Cheap labor Land was scarce and expensive NEW! England Small labor forces Too much work to be done Plenty of land, not enough people to work the land Work was done by families No slaves or indentured servants American Colonies 8 – New England

4. Healthier lifestyle for colonists No overcrowding Wide open spaces and cleaner The colonists typically ate better Well rounded diet with protein and produce Not likely to get rich in New England Cash crops did not do well in colder weather No sugar or coffee First Emigrants were not in it for the money Desire for religious freedom 102 Separatists called Pilgrims Traveled on the Mayflower in 1620 American Colonies 8 – New England

5. Puritans Strong desire to purify the Protestant faith The King considered the Puritans subversive Their religion was more demanding than the Anglicans Honored God by working hard Good fit since there was too much work and too few workers Strong Beliefs served them well Thrift Diligence Personal discipline Encouraged effort Persistence Study Delayed gratification Purpose American Colonies 8 – New England

6. 1600-1700 England lands New England to the north Puritans avoided control by the crown Did not have a cash crop Chesapeake to the south Middle Colonies were colonized by Dutch & Swedes Switzerland had New Sweden in the Delaware Valley The Dutch had New Netherland in the Hudson Valley American Colonies 12 – Middle Colonies

7. Dutch Vast trading empire Beat the Portuguese in Indonesia, etc. Slave trade in Africa Sugar crops in Americas & West Indies Pirated Spanish treasure fleet almost bankrupted Spain Colony in New World on the Hudson River Back home they had a liberal government Known for their religious tolerance Not a popular position at the time They welcomed religious exiles from other countries Spread themselves too thin and lost New Netherland American Colonies 12 – Middle Colonies

8. Pennsylvania & the Quakers William Penn, heir of Admiral Penn Converted to “Quakerism” Considered an ‘extreme’ form of Protestantism Most were working men, not usually wealthy He traveled & preached Quakers believed all men were equal before God Penn established colony and learned from others mistakes Alliances with Indians Religious freedoms & mixed races Hard workers similar to Puritans Easier: better weather, larger & more diverse crops, wheat grew American Colonies 12 – Middle Colonies

9. English believed homogenous communities fared better – based on religion & ethnicity Also necessary to maintain control over the colonies Colonial Diversity thrived in the Middle Colonies English – Anglicans Enslaved Africans Scots & Scot-Irish Puritans from New England Quakers – English & Welsh Dutch & German Catholics - Irish Jews American Colonies 12 – Middle Colonies