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The Pros And Cons Of Colonial America

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Most think of Colonial America as the United State’s first stake in land. Some think of it in relation to Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving special episode. While some truth holds to both of the previous statements, many do not understand or care to know the differences between each colony. From farming to foreign contact, each colony had different ways of living and standards within their society. In 1620, the Plymouth Colony was founded after a nine-week voyage across a great ocean with tremendous storms and hardships. Before stepping onto land, the founders decided draw up the Mayflower compact. This contract would grant political rights to any man willing to stay and follow any law that the new colony would put into place. This was unique …show more content…

Soon after their arrival, further persecution and economic troubles caused the Great Migration. This brought more settlers into the Massachusetts Bay Colony. They were led by John Winthrop (pg 58). Early on, the colony discovered that the soil was not fertile enough to grow and sustain crops. This led to the colony heavily relying on fishing and the easily accessible ports. Members of this community tried their best to replicate the construction patterns of their homeland. The immigration into this colony was different compared to that of the Plymouth Colony because settlers came in family units to Massachusetts Bay. Another benefiting factor that was in this colony’s favor was the presence of clean water. This took away many diseases that the new settlers had never been exposed to (pg. 58). Their laws were heavily rendered from the Bible. Being Puritans, they sought to reform the Church of England. They did this through strict laws and harsh punishment. Two important laws that were enacted included the requirement of church attendance and that everyone was to observe the sabbath. Although the Puritans sought a form of religious freedom, they were not open to the practice of other religions. They were even dissatisfied if one worshiped in an “incorrect” way. Quakers would enter their community, they were often beaten, branded or even lynched if the persisted. Another

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