Climate & Geography
Regional Differences
Trade, Power & Self-Government
100

This region’s short growing season and rocky soil made large-scale farming difficult

New England

100

This region developed around small towns with church-centered communities and town meetings

New England

100

Under this system, colonies existed to benefit the wealth and power of the mother country

Mercantilism

200

This region had fertile soil and a moderate climate, making it good for both farming and trade

Middle Colonies

200

This region became known for port cities like New York and Philadelphia that grew because of trade

Middle Colonies

200

These laws limited who the colonies could trade with, leading many merchants to smuggle goods

Navigation Acts

300

The long, warm growing season in this region supported plantation agriculture

Southern Colonies

300

This region’s economy relied heavily on large plantations with labor-intensive cash crops

Southern Colonies

300

Town meetings in New England are an example of this kind of government where citizens help make decisions

Self-government (or direct participation in government)

400

This region was known for deep rivers and natural harbors, helping cities grow as trade centers

Middle Colonies

400

Colonists in this region were more likely to live far apart from each other, making local government less community-based

Southern Colonies

400

Colonial assemblies and elected legislatures show that colonists were becoming used to this political practice long before independence

Representative government

M
e
n
u