Discuss the demography, economies, and politics of the Spanish, French, Dutch, a

Question

Discuss the demography, economies, and politics of the Spanish, French, Dutch, and English colonies in North America in the years 1500-1700.

Think critically about life during this time period in the colonies of North America. If you could travel back in time, which colonial settlement would you have wanted to settle and why? Provide specific demographics to explain where you would settle. For example: New England, Middle, or Southern colonies if you choose the English colonies. Provide an explanation and analysis for all your decisions.  

Explanation / Answer

Ans. Let's straightaway answer your question.

We'll discuss about the Demography , Economics , Politics of Spanish , French , Dutch and English colonies in North America from 1500 - 1700.

Let's talk about each colony one by one :

Spanish Colonies : Spanish Settlements constituted the area of Some parts of California Coast , Florida , Santa Fe and many cities in Texas and California. Primary Colonizers included Soviets ,missionaries , farmers and traders. Settlers were restricted to Catholics and Protestants were driven out . Economy under Spain largely remained a trading and farming economy. Growth was not that great as their main focus was on military conquests. Governors and Viceroys governed the colonies and were appointed by the Crown.

French Colonies : French Colonies were in the areas of Canada , Mississippi , Quebec , Louisiana and Montreal. Population included fur traders , missionaries and merchants. Large number of soldiers also resided. The main Economic Activity included Fur Trade and was very lucrative . Farming activities were also practiced on small scale. Slave trade was also prevalent. Population grew very slowly and around 50000 French settlers were there. Relation between French and Native Americans were quite good. There was no representative government of France in America. Everything was under the control of French King.

Dutch Colonies : Dutch Colonies in America included the areas of Manhattan , Albany , Kingston and New York. There was very profitable fur trade carried out in these colonies . They fostered good relation with the native americans . Their coming was named as New Netherlands. By 1780 in New York 27% of the population were descendants of Dutch Settlers. Popluation of dutch people grew a lot in America. Economy prospered because of extensive trade.

English Colonies : English colonies were in the areas of Virginia , Massachusetts , Atlantic coast and along Mississippi River.A very diverse economic activities were carried out which included fishing , farming , trading. Tabacco trade was very profitable in English colonies. There was rapid growth of population in English colonies due to very liberal immigration policies. Largely Non catholic people were there in most of the places. Local Government was setup in colonies. Taxation system was also followed.

I would have to go back in time and live in one of the colonial cities . I would choose Pennsylvania because of many reasons. Done of the reasons are:

1) Pennsylvanian colony was having good relation with the Native Americans

2 ) No religion dominated the colony of Pennsylvania and have way to religious freedom for Quakers , Catholics , Jews , Lutherans etc. Given by ' The Charter of Privileges '

3) Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly was the general Assembly and was very representative.

4) Land available in Pennsylvania was very rich and fertile so that factor led to increase in farming activities and scope across colony .

I hope this answer is clear . Do ask in case of any doubts.

Best of Luck ! Keep Chegging !

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse D
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.