The 13 Colonies

The Thirteen Colonies

• This slide show covers the New England, Southern, and Middle Colonies. It discusses the social and economic aspects, in addition to other general information about the colonies.

The New England Colonies

• The New England colonies included New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. They were British colonies established as either royal or charter colony. Plymouth Bay Colony was the first establishment created in New England. The Native Americans and their aid were quite important to the success of the Plymouth Bay Colony. Under the leadership of John Winthrop, the Puritans created the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was strict and no other religions were allowed. Rodger Williams established Rhode Island with the belief that other religions should be tolerated. Thomas Hooker also left the Massachusetts Bay Colony to establish Hartford in Connecticut. He thought that all males should be able to vote. Overall, there was thin, rocky soil and hash winters.
• New England Colonies (Embed)

The Salem Witch Trials (Massachusetts)

• In the 1600s, young women began to act ill and break into various fits; hence, a doctor was called in. His diagnose was bewitchment. The young women began to point fingers and trials began to prove people guilty of witchcraft. These people were mainly independent women or people or people who did not confirm to the strict Puritan religion. One method of determining if one was guilty of witchcraft was to check for birthmarks and insert a needle. If blood was drawn, they were not a witch. Many were hanged and over 100 people were accused. One man was even killed by begin pressed to death. Ironically, it was though who confessed witchcraft who lived, because people believed that God would decide what to do with them.
• The Salem Witch Trials (1692) Cartoon (Embed)

New England Colonies: Economy

• The New England Colonies did not do very well with farming, because of the harsh environment. However, they did have an economy based on shipbuilding, fishing, and trade.
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