Questions: What would you expect the thirteen English colonies to have in common? language religion political beliefs education systems economies family life populations

The thirteen English colonies in North America, which eventually became the United States, shared several commonalities, but they also had significant differences. Here’s an analysis of what they had in common and where they differed:

1. Language:

   • Commonality: The primary language spoken in all thirteen colonies was English. This was a unifying factor as it facilitated communication and governance across the colonies.

2. Religion:

   • Commonality: While the colonies were predominantly Christian, there was a significant diversity in religious practices and beliefs. Most colonies had established churches, but the specific denomination varied.
   • Differences: For example, the New England colonies were largely Puritan, while the Southern colonies had a stronger Anglican presence. Pennsylvania was known for its Quaker population, and Maryland was initially founded as a haven for Catholics.

3. Political Beliefs:

   • Commonality: The colonies shared a belief in self-governance and had various forms of representative government. They valued the rights of Englishmen, which included concepts like trial by jury and protection from arbitrary government actions.
   • Differences: The specific structures of government varied. For instance, some colonies had royal governors appointed by the king, while others had more autonomous, locally elected assemblies.

4. Education Systems:

   • Commonality: Education was valued, particularly in New England, where there was a strong emphasis on literacy for religious reasons.
   • Differences: The approach to education varied widely. New England had public schools and colleges like Harvard, while in the Southern colonies, education was often conducted by private tutors or in small, local schools.

5. Economies:

   • Commonality: All colonies had mixed economies that included agriculture, trade, and some form of manufacturing.
   • Differences: The economic focus varied by region. The New England colonies had a mixed economy of agriculture, fishing, and trade. The Middle colonies were known for their grain production and diverse economies, while the Southern colonies had plantation economies based on cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo.

6. Family Life:

   • Commonality: Family life was central to colonial society, with a strong emphasis on patriarchal structures and large families.
   • Differences: The specifics of family life could vary based on regional economic activities and cultural influences. For example, in the Southern colonies, the plantation system influenced family structures and social hierarchies.

7. Populations:

   • Commonality: The population of the colonies was primarily of English descent, but there was also significant diversity.
   • Differences: The demographic makeup varied. The Middle colonies were the most ethnically diverse, with significant populations of Dutch, German, and Swedish settlers. The Southern colonies had large African slave populations due to the plantation system.

In summary, while the thirteen English colonies shared a common language and certain overarching political and cultural values, they also exhibited significant regional differences in religion, economic activities, education systems, and population demographics. These differences would later play a crucial role in the development of the United States.