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New England Colonies

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England began colonizing the Americas in the early 1600’s, the first step in creating the United States we know today. The development of these colonies, historians argue, was most greatly affected by environmental and geographic variations. I support, yet modify, this statement to be that the individual culture of each colony was shaped by the area’s geographical features and surroundings. It was not the people that determined the culture, but the peoples reaction to their geography that molded the culture. Therefore, the main influencer was the geography and natural features of the land. In the southern colonies the soil was fertile and ample for farming while the lumber and farmland was plentiful, thus creating an ideal situation for plantations. The people of the southern colonies responded to the authority of the land and created colonies centered on farm life. Due to the scattering of plantations …show more content…

However, New England’s close proximity to the coast allowed for an emphasis on fishing. The people responded to what their land allowed for by creating a culture focused on “Cod not God”. A robust fishing industry that allowed for trade was implemented. New England’s focus was shifted to economics and trade and away from religion. This was not a decided movement but an inevitable cause of the colonies’ geographical features. This correlation between environmental features and a community’s culture is related to the mere presence and outcomes of several historical events. An example of this would be a South Carolina slave revolt along Stono River. Had the Stono River not existed, or the slaves proximity to freedom been much further then geography had determined the Stono Rebllion would have never occurred. They may not have ever been caught if the land had been set up differently. Not only is geography shaping our culture, but geography helps mold the way our history

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