Discussion 1: "Thirteen Original Colonies"

Please respond to the following:

• Describe three characteristics for each of the English colonies located in the South, Middle, and New England regions. Next, state two religious, business, agricultural, or political elements most likely to be found in South, Middle, and New England colonies. Imagine you are a colonist, which region seems most appealing to create a new life in the New World. Provide a rationale for your response.

In addition to discussion 1, respond to the following Classmate:

Morgan Polk

RE: Week 3 Discussion

Where were the original 13 Colonies situated? The English settlements of the original 13 Colonies were located on the Atlantic coast of North America. The original 13 colonies were Delaware, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts Bay Colony (which included Maine), New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. The original 13 colonies were divided into three geographic areas consisting of the New England colonies, the Middle colonies, and the Southern colonies. The first European colonists and settlers did not know how big North America was because they didn't have a map of the continent - it was, literally unchartered land.

Facts about the New England Colonies of Colonial America:

• Fact 1 - Geography: The geography of New England consisted of mountains thick with trees, rivers and poor rocky soil that was difficult to farm and unsuitable for agriculture

• Fact 2 - Natural Resources: Fish, whales, forests. Imported agricultural products from other colonies

• Fact 3 - Religion: Puritans - No religious freedom. refer to Religion in the Colonies

• Fact 4 - Climate: Coldest of the three regions, leading to difficult winters but less disease

Facts about the Middle Colonies of Colonial America:

• Fact 1 - The geography and climate of the Middle Colonies was a mix of the New England and Southern features

• Fact 2 - Natural Resources: Good farmland, timber, furs and coal. Iron ore was a particularly important natural resource

• Fact 3 - Religion: Not dominated by a specific religion which gave way to religious freedom for Quakers, Catholics, Lutherans, Jews and others

Facts about the Southern Colonies of Colonial America:

• Fact 1 - Geography: The geography of the Southern Colonies was hilly coastal plains with plenty of forests

• Fact 2 - Natural Resources: The Southern colonies concentrated on developing plantations that eventually grew cotton, tobacco, rice, sugar cane and indigo (a purple dye)

• Fact 3 - Religion: Not dominated by a specific religion which gave way to religious freedom for Baptists, Anglicans and others

• Fact 4 - Climate: Warmest of the three regions, winters not difficult to survive, warmer climate gave rise to the spread of disease

Discussion 2: "An Island Versus a Continent"

Please respond to the following:

• Identify three motivating factors for colonists that helped to ignite the American Revolution. If you were involved in the American Revolution which side would you choose? Justify your response.

Discussion 3: "Understanding the Constitution"

Please respond to the following:

• Select two U.S. Constitution amendments from the Bill of Rights. Then, in your own words, write a 200 to 500 word response on what they mean to you.