YOU ARE THE HISTORIAN!

Now that you have finished all of the materials on the settlement of the English colonies, I want you to sit back and think about the following.

• If someone asked you why the colonies were founded, what would you say? How would you explain the differences in motivations? What are the similarities? What evidence would you draw from these materials to support your argument?
• If this same person then went on to ask you why, if the colonies were founded for such different reasons, how they ended up with very similar colonial governments, how would you answer? What evidence would you use?
• Finally, this very inquisitive person asks you why, if the colonies ended up with such similar governments that they remained so socially and culturally different, how would you answer? What evidence would you present?

Now answer the following prompt for your journal entry:

Prompt: Explain why the four colonial regions (the Chesapeake, New England, the Middle Colonies, and the Carolina Colonies) developed so differently socially while ending up with such similar political systems.

This is an exercise in critical thinking and a good self-assessment to see if you are “connecting the dots” and thinking historically. Answer the question in ONE well-constructed paragraph . Paragraphs should begin with a thesis statement (1st sentence). Subsequent sentences should present historical facts with your analysis (how do these facts support your thesis statement in response to the prompt). Grammar and mechanics count and don’t forget to cite as necessary.

Don’t forget to use evidence drawn from Primary Sources in your answer. One source minimum, two or more sources for Excellent level of use.