Dbq on Differences Between New England and Chesapeake Area

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