Essay Sample about Differences in the Northern and Southern Colonies

Following England’s rise to power, its colonization of North America became inevitable. Much of the land had been untouched, allowing the English to easily seize territory for its growing empire. With ambitious new settlers eager to make their mark, through riches or religion, England quickly conquered modern Maine to Georgia. However, these settlers had arrived with individual intentions, some of which disagreed with each other. Key aspects of the northern and southern colonies that differentiate them from each other are economy, society, and religion. 

The economies of the north and south primarily differ in profit source and type of labor. Colonies in the south relied on cash crops such as tobacco and rice for profit. This characteristic is primarily the result of the south’s climate and early settlers’ original intent. Colonies in the south experienced hot weather and fertile soil, which proved ideal for farming and large plantations (Kennedy 26). However, the first colonizers to arrive in Virginia were looking for money and had only intended on remaining for a short period of time. Settlers took advantage of the land and exploited it for profit. Many Virginians even grew tobacco before their own food, which unfortunately poisoned the soil over time (Kennedy 32). To support the growing industry, the South required a considerable amount of laborers. Early on, plantations lacked African slaves due to their expensive price. Therefore, landowners would bargain with white indentured servants to work on their fields (Kennedy 67). This method allowed farmers to produce crops quickly and inexpensively. Later in the 1700s, slaves would dominate field workers and propel the industry further. 

Unlike the South, northern colonies relied on trading. The north’s climate consisted of cold winters and extremely hot summers, along with poor soil that essentially prohibited stable farming (Kennedy 81). Fortunately, much of the north possessed countless harbors and miles of coastline that were utilized for fishing. Early colonizers were also significantly more interested in settling for religion instead of money. Eventually, settlers adapted and built their economy on shipbuilding and the trade of cod and timber (Kennedy 81). Since plantations rarely existed in the north, indentured servants and slaves were unnecessary and ultimately absent from New England life. Families generally only farmed for themselves and purchasing workers became more or less not worth the price (Lesson 7). Fundamentally, differences between northern and southern economies consist of products and labor. 

Each region’s society drew heavy influence from their economies and varies in proximity, priorities, and general health. Due to the southern economy’s reliance on cash crops, plantations absorbed most land. This pattern caused society to advance in a gradual and detached way. Towns developed extremely scattered and very few advanced cities arose (Kennedy 76). Even worse, the south’s social classes were just as spread out as its towns. The gap between each class grew with slavery and planters at the top continued to gain political power (Kennedy 73). Religion and education were considered insignificant, at least in comparison to agriculture, as neither were necessary to contribute to a farming-based economy (Lesson 6). As a result, churches and schools seldom existed. In addition, life expectancy in the south was considerably short due to disease inflicted by the area’s climate. Early on, it had been difficult for men to find women, as they outnumbered them six to one (Kennedy 66). Because of this, weak family ties developed. Many people died before the age of twenty, disabling the growth of strong families. 

On the other hand, the lack of large farms in the north allowed its society to grow much closer and exclusively. Towns were significantly more organized and relatively close in proximity. Before settling, these areas had to be chartered and granted by authorities. The towns themselves were most commonly centered around a church, as most New Englanders were Puritan and valued unity (Kennedy 79). Contrary to the south, northern leaders valued education and required towns with over fifty families to provide education for young children. From their perspective, learning to read and write was essential to be able to interpret the Bible (Kennedy 79). Furthermore, the north’s climate allowed its inhabitants to enjoy long lives. Due to the cleaner atmosphere, New Englanders on average lived up to seventy years, enabling stronger bonds and a more stable family life (Kennedy 79). This increase in healthy families led to a population spike and women could expect to reproduce up to eight children (Kennedy 77). Essentially, societal contrasts include the distance between towns, goals, and average life.

The south and north both faced contrasting experiences regarding religion, with the south being mellow Anglicans and the north rigid Puritans. Because southern society had been less advanced and primarily focused on agriculture, it became fairly tolerant of other religions. Initially, southern colonists sought riches and had no interest in any religious change (Kennedy 28). Therefore, the south remained unconcerned with holy matters and received minimal influence from religion. Not only that, but the general area had been less religious due to its spaced-out society (Kennedy 76). Without a close community, it would have been difficult to coordinate religious affairs. 

Contrastingly, New England grew to be incredibly strict regarding religion. This mindset was the result of early settlers’ ambitions to start new lives in America with hopes of purifying their church (Kennedy 44). The Puritans’ passion for their faith frequently pushed out those who challenged their ideas. Anne Hutchinson, one of four Quakers in early Massachusetts, spoke out against predestination (Kennedy 46). In an attempt to silence her, Governor John Winthrop argued, “ . . . you have spoken diverse things . . . very prejudicial to the honour of the churches . . . and you have maintained a meeting and an assembly in your house that hath been condemned by the general assembly as a thing not tolerable . . . nor fitting for your sex . . . .” (Kennedy 47). Winthrop’s declaration illustrates the Puritans’ exclusivity and harsh punishments, as Anne had later been banished. Although the initial goal of purifying the church had fizzled out over time, the general premise and effects on the societal structure remained. Additionally, New Englanders expressed their faith more frequently because of its compactness and accessibility to churches. In sum, the north and south both treated religion uniquely and modified which traits from each of their respective faiths were implemented into their lives.

To conclude, it is apparent that both the north and south possessed varying traits that categorized each region, including economy, society, and religion. Although many of the standards originally planted with the first thirteen colonies are no longer in use, a multitude of old practices remain present today and a diverse selection of modern characteristics can be traced back to the colonies’ origins. These ideas have been instilled to form cultures that shine through in each area. Overall, the differences that previously classified New England and the south helped shaped the modern states.