New England Regions Governments example essay topic

Two unique societies were constructed by people of common origin. These English colonists immigrated to the New World for either economic prosperity or religious freedom. During colonization, two regions were formed, New England and the Chesapeake Bay area. The two contrasting societies of New England and Chesapeake region were the results of diversity of: social and family structure; health and living conditions; economy; religion and beliefs; and government policies. As stated in Document A, unity was encouraged among New Englanders, which developed into close societies. The close societies often built a bond of trust within the community, knowing that neighbors would come together during times of danger.

Document A also stresses the importance of working together as one, and to promote the welfare of the community. By doing so, the community is allowed to strive and flourish. On the contrary, Document F supports the idea that there was little unity within the Chesapeake societies. Document F asserts, "There was no talk... but dig gold, wash gold, refine gold, load gold...

". Shown in Documents B and D, the emigrants to New England were often whole families. Families in the society resulted in population increases because of higher reproduction rates. The higher reproduction rates allowed for more stable societies. As Documents C, F, and G assert, the Chesapeake region consisted mainly of single men and few women. Few women in the area resulted in a small number of families, lower reproductive rates, and smaller and less stable societies.

The conditions of New England and the Chesapeake region were very different. Document F claims, .".. our ordinary [food] was but mean and water so that this... little relieved our wants, whereby with extremity of the bitter cold frost... more than half of us died". The document describes the harsh living conditions that were imposed upon the colonists of the Chesapeake region. These conditions often reduced the expected life expectancy of its inhabitants by ten years and often destroyed the family unit. The living conditions of New England were much more favorable and often increased the life expectancy of the colonists. Longer lifetimes resulted in society stability since families were formed and "grandparents invented".

Document F states, "The worst [among us were the gold seekers who] with their golden promises made all men their slaves in hope of recompenses". This quote displays the major motive of emigrants to the Chesapeake region as gold seekers, or monetary prosperity. Documents G and H show that there were many indentured servants in the Chesapeake area. These indentured servants were often used for the tobacco farms. Since the soil was infertile in New England, the colonists there often focused on trade, small scale manufacturing, fishing, and other sea industries. The economy of each region impacted its social structure, which many indentured servants and slaves in the Chesapeake region while there was much more equality in New England.

Documents A, D, and E stress the importance of religion in New England societies. Document A refers to working for God and follow what God has set for them to do. The New Englanders also have beliefs that hard work was necessary and high morals were needed. They also believed in literacy and education. Document D states, "We intend by God's grace, as soon as we can, with all convenient speed, to procure some Godly and faithful minister with whom we purpose to join in church covenant to walk in all ways of Christ". Document E says, .".. receiving such moderate profit as may enable them to serve God and their neighbors with their arts and trades comfortably...

". The strong emphasis on religion is because the colonists of this area sought religious freedom. The New Englanders' motives were mainly for religious reasons. Being religious people, they had higher moral values than those fortune seekers in the Chesapeake region. The differences in beliefs played a part in contrasting developments of the two areas. In Document H, Nathaniel Bacon stated, ."..

Let us trace... [the] men in authority and favor to whose hands the dispensation of the county [y's] wealth has been committed". Here, Bacon stated that the government was protected the wealth of the upper class and ignored the lower class people. Often, the frontiersmen were used as "human barriers" against the Native American attacks. Document G implies that the government only cared for the welfare of the wealthy. The governments of the Chesapeake region were often corrupt and favored the wealthy. The New England regions governments had more religious values incorporated into it and were governing bodies.