New England Colonies

Colonial Salem

Colonial Salem, Massachusetts

Click here for a New England Colonies Power Point | Detailed Lesson Plan

Colonies

  • New Hampshire
  • Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island
  • Connecticut

Climate and Geography

Colonists in the New England colonies endured bitterly cold winters and mild summers. Land was flat close to the coastline but became hilly and mountainous farther inland. Soil was generally rocky, making farming difficult. Cold winters reduced the spread of disease.

Religion

The New England colonies were dominated by the Puritans, reformers seeking to "purify" Christianity, who came over from England to practice religion without persecution. Puritans followed strict rules and were intolerant of other religions, eventually absorbing the separatist Pilgrims in Massachusetts by 1629. Life in New England was dominated by church, and there were severe consequences for those who failed to attend, or, those who spoke out against the Puritan ways. Singing and celebrating holidays were among things prohibited in Puritan New England.

Economy

New England's economy was largely dependent on the ocean. Fishing (especially codfish) was most important to the New England economy, though whaling, trapping, shipbuilding, and logging were important also. Eventually, many New England shippers grew wealthy buying slaves from West Africa in return for rum, and selling the slaves to the West Indies in return for molasses. This process was called the "triangular trade."

Discussion Questions

  1. Why was farming difficult in the New England colonies?
  2. How did the Puritans influence daily life in New England?
  3. What were the main jobs people had in New England?
  4. What is the triangular trade, and why was it important to New England's economy?

Glossary

  • Puritans – A religious group that wanted to reform the Church of England and followed very strict religious rules.
  • Triangular Trade – A three-part trade system between Europe, Africa, and the Americas involving goods and enslaved people.
  • Cod – A type of fish that was very common and important for food and trade in New England.
  • Whaling – The hunting of whales for oil and other products.
  • Logging – Cutting down trees for lumber used in building and trade.

Colonies

  • New Hampshire
  • Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island
  • Connecticut

Climate and Geography

New England had cold winters and mild summers. The land was flat along the coast but became hilly and mountainous inland. The soil was rocky, so farming was hard. Cold winters helped stop the spread of diseases.

Religion

Most people in New England were Puritans who wanted to practice their religion freely. They had strict rules and did not accept other beliefs. The Puritan church controlled much of life, and people could be punished for missing church or speaking out. Fun activities like singing and holiday celebrations were often banned.

Economy

The New England economy depended on the ocean. Fishing—especially for cod—was the most important job. Other jobs included whaling, trapping, shipbuilding, and logging. New England was also part of the triangular trade, where traders bought slaves from Africa in exchange for rum, then sold the slaves to the West Indies for molasses.