Explain the background and organization of English colonization in America from the late 16th through the early 17th centuries (the 1580s through 1650).
During this time, there was a dramatic increase of England’s population, from approximately 50,000 to close to 400,000people. This led to an economic transformation whereby the lands available were leased for improvements leading to profits. The leasers used the leased lands for industrial, financial, and colonial ventures leading to a number of consequences.
Firstly, the peasants, who were the owners of these pieces of land, lost control over them facing eviction forcing them to become free laborers.By 1620, the English population moved from their rural areas to the cities with aid from the wage laborers (Nelson 34). With increased population, the leased lands underwent various improvements including closure. All the public used for pasture was turned into private property by colonialists who engaged in wool business and coal mining. By the 17th century, landless laborers increased greatly introducing a new breed of economic migrants who moved for long distances in search of work.
Explain the broad background and the specific colonization efforts; particularly explain the similarities and distinctions between the Chesapeake and New England colonies.
Firstly, the Chesapeake and New England areas were colonized by the English people. Both of them enjoyed some level of democratic rule. They used their elected assemblies to offer a voice for them in government. Fourthly, Chesapeake and New England, also, were characterized by established churches. These churches were supported by the tax money, which was collected from the regions.
Chesapeake and New England colonies differed in several ways. To begin with, the economy of Chesapeake was subjugated by huge plantation owners. The unfree workers in this region were the main source of labor. On the contrary, the New England’s economy majorly had small farmers, artisans, and merchants in the cities (Nelson 83). This contributed to a more democratic society. In addition, the New England colonies were family oriented, unlike the Chesapeake colonies who were dominated by single individuals with less communal cohesion.
Works Cited
Nelson, William. The Common Law in Colonial America: The Chesapeake and New England, 1660-1750. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016. Print.