In the 1600s and 1700s, English settlers founded 13 colonies on the eastern coast of what is now the United States. Many colonists came in search of new homes or a chance to earn a living. Others sought religious freedom. Over time, the various colonies developed different economies and ways of life.

Despite their differences, English settlers in all of the colonies came to develop an independent spirit and a tradition of self-government. This independence was strengthened by a religious movement called the Great Awakening and by new social and political ideas from Europe.

Additional Activities

• "Why Study History?" Activity: Have students use the Internet to explore documents important to our democracy. (See Teacher's Edition, page 115.)
  
  
• Check out the Student Internet Activities, which focus on William Penn and the Salem Witch Trials.
  
  

Section 1: The New England Colonies

Section 2: The Middle Colonies

Section 3: The Southern Colonies

Section 4: Governing the Colonies

Section 5: A Changing Colonial Culture