New England and Chesapeak

Chesapeake and New England

The New England and Chesapeake regions were different in multiple ways. New England included Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. New England was very successful, especially through their ship building and fishing. On the other hand, the Chesapeake found it a lot harder to develop. The Chesapeake consisted of Maryland and Virginia. These regions differed in many ways, but the main ways were geography, economics, and religious and social beliefs.

Geography was one of New England's largest obstacles. Their growing conditions were not good due to their frigid weather, and rough rocky soil. Although their growing conditions were poor, the people of New England worked extremely hard so they could grow crops and support themselves. Unlike New England, the Chesapeake had wonderful growing conditions the weather was warm and the soil was always fertile. John Rolfe introduced tobacco and he developed the first profitable export. The Chesapeake colonies were very successful from their tobacco produce because they were one of few to grow the crop. The colonist also believed they would find gold in the area surrounding them. In Captain John Smiths writing, The History of Virginia, he said, "There was no talk... but dig gold, was gold, refine gold, load gold..." (Doc. F) The Chesapeake's main obstacle would be the constant spread of disease. Compared to New England, the Chesapeake had small families and not a lot of people since they didn't know how to survive the harsh conditions of fast spreading diseases.

Another difference between New England and he Chesapeake is the economic aspect. The way they made money differed completely. Since New England is located right off the Atlantic Ocean, they thrived off of ship building, and fishing. Another thing that helped them is fur trade and lumber. In the beginning, the workers were not promised a consistent pay but due to the decision of the general government, "it is therefore ordered that... [prices and wages] be duly set at each of our General Courts annually..." (Doc. E). In comparison, the Chesapeake weren't near as lucky. The main and only profit they made was from growing tobacco. Although selling tobacco was all they had, they did well. Not only did they grow for themselves, but also for others. Since they were first to begin with the crop, they were