Colonists Shape Regional Economies and Governments
Colonists Shape Regional Economies and Governments is a Grade 7 history skill from California myWorld Interactive, Chapter 9: Global Convergence. Students explore how English colonies developed distinct economies and governments — from New England town meetings to Virginia's elected assembly — and how Southern plantation economies shifted from indentured servants to enslaved Africans.
Key Concepts
As English colonies grew, they developed unique societies with different forms of government. In New England, communities often made decisions through town meetings, while Virginia colonists created an elected assembly. These political differences reflected the colonies' distinct regional economies.
The Southern colonies built large plantations for cash crops and first relied on indentured servants for labor. Over time, this system was replaced by a dependence on the brutal system of enslaved labor , forcing Africans to work. In contrast, New England's economy was based on trade, fishing, and small farms.
Common Questions
How did English colonies develop different governments?
New England colonies used town meetings for community decision-making, while Virginia colonists created an elected assembly. These differences reflected the distinct economic and social needs of each region.
What was the difference between indentured servants and enslaved people in colonial America?
Indentured servants were people who worked for a set number of years to pay off passage to America. Enslaved Africans were forced into permanent, hereditary bondage. Southern colonies shifted from using indentured servants to enslaving Africans as their plantation economy grew.
How did the colonial economy shape regional governments?
Different regional economies led to different political structures. New England's trade and fishing economy supported community governance, while the South's plantation economy concentrated wealth and power among large landowners.
What chapter in myWorld Interactive Grade 7 covers colonial economies and governments?
Chapter 9: Global Convergence in California myWorld Interactive Grade 7 covers how colonists shaped regional economies and governments.
What were cash crops in the Southern colonies?
Southern colonies grew cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo on large plantations. These crops required intensive labor, which drove the shift to enslaved African labor as the plantation system expanded.