New England Colonies v.s. Southern Colonies

Culture and economic aspects of life in the New England colonies were generally well rounded while the southern colonies put much more emphasis on the economy. In the southern colonies, the social hierarchy was defined based on who owned more land/slaves/plantations. For the most part, the colonies down south were "a hardworking, businesslike lot" (72). As for their culture, indeed some libraries and manors were built, and some practiced the arts, but for the most part life in the southern colonies "revolved around the great plantations" (73).

In contrast, the New England colonies were enjoying a more well rounded life. Women, men, and children had duties that contributed to the economy as well as practicing the culture. Colonies "usually consisted of a meeting house, which served as both the place of worhsip and the town hall...a village green, where the militia could drill" (75). Families also owned land where they could farm. In addition, primary education was required in towns where the population exceeded 50. The New England colonies clearly valued education (shown by the founding of Harvard College in Massachusetts) as well as politics and religion. Men in the New England colonies would practice democracy at the town meetings, and Puritans ran churches.

The New England colonies and the southern colonies were relatively different in culture and economy. While the New England colonies led lives that involved more than just one aspect, the southern colonies were mainly only concerned about the economy.