Social Life Political & Civic Life 3 4 THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE The New England colonies were located on wooded hills between the Appalachian Mountains on the west and the rugged Atlantic coastline on the east. The climate of this region was harsh with short, moderate summers and long, cold winters. Farming was difficult due to the short growing season and the thin rocky soil. RESOURCES AND SPECIALIZATION In order to make a living, many colonists in New England turned to their natural resources. Numerous natural harbors and the dense forests of this region caused the New Englanders to specialize in shipbuilding, fishing, and naval supplies. Bustling port cities grew up around the harbors of the region. Boston Harbor became a prosperous center of commerce in New England. In these busy port cities many colonists also made a living as skilled craftsmen and shopkeepers resulting in another resource for this colony: a human resource. SOCIAL LIFE In the areas surrounding these busy port cities, colonists lived in smaller villages and towns where the church was the center of their day to day life. Many of the settlers of this region had tried and failed to reform the Church of England before setting sail for the New World. Others, called separatists, had simply wanted to separate themselves from the Church of England and worship as they chose. POLITICAL LIFE The political life of the New England colonies revolved around the town meeting. These meetings were first held in churches by church leaders. Colonists would attend to hear and discuss the daily issues of village life. Later the meetings moved outside the church building and became the village political body. Citizens would meet to elect officers, set taxes, and settle community problems.
Social Life Political & Civic Life 3 4 THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE The New England colonies were located on wooded hills between the Appalachian Mountains on the west and the rugged Atlantic coastline on the east. The climate of this region was harsh with short, moderate summers and long, cold winters. Farming was difficult due to the short growing season and the thin rocky soil. RESOURCES AND SPECIALIZATION In order to make a living, many colonists in New England turned to their natural resources. Numerous natural harbors and the dense forests of this region caused the New Englanders to specialize in shipbuilding, fishing, and naval supplies. Bustling port cities grew up around the harbors of the region. Boston Harbor became a prosperous center of commerce in New England. In these busy port cities many colonists also made a living as skilled craftsmen and shopkeepers resulting in another resource for this colony: a human resource. SOCIAL LIFE In the areas surrounding these busy port cities, colonists lived in smaller villages and towns where the church was the center of their day to day life. Many of the settlers of this region had tried and failed to reform the Church of England before setting sail for the New World. Others, called separatists, had simply wanted to separate themselves from the Church of England and worship as they chose. POLITICAL LIFE The political life of the New England colonies revolved around the town meeting. These meetings were first held in churches by church leaders. Colonists would attend to hear and discuss the daily issues of village life. Later the meetings moved outside the church building and became the village political body. Citizens would meet to elect officers, set taxes, and settle community problems.
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