History 1301 Assignment: Examining the Foundation of Three Colonies

This assignment provides a comparative analysis of three early American colonies: Virginia, Plymouth, and Massachusetts Bay. It examines their founding motivations, early relationships with Native Americans, economic development, and social structures. The Virginia colony, established for economic gain, contrasted with Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay, which were founded for religious freedom. The assignment also discusses the evolving relationship between colonists and Native Americans, from initial cooperation to conflict. Ultimately, the author expresses a preference for living in Massachusetts Bay due to its greater religious freedom and lower rates of enslavement. Desklib offers access to similar assignments and study resources for students.

Running head: HISTORY 1301
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History 1301
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HISTORY 1301
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Question 1
The Virginia colony was founded by John Smith in the year 1607 backed by London
Company. Plymouth Colony was founded by a group of English separatists’ puritans in the year
1620 (Locke & Wright, 2019). Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded by John Winthrop in the
year 1630.
Question 2
The Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded for religious freedom. Plymouth colony was
also founded for religious freedom. Virginia colony was founded looking for gold as raw
material for English trading company.
Question 3
The Virginia colonies enslaved the settlers in its early years. Massachusetts Bay and
Plymouth created religious with Native Americans in their early years.
Question 4
Colonists initially considered the Native Americans as their helpful friends. They
welcomed them into their territories and engaged them in trade (Locke & Wright, 2019).
Through a friendly relationship, colonies were able to transform people into Christianity religion
through daily interactions.
Question 5

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Colonists developed economically by getting the raw materials from the plantations for
their companies.
Question 6
Of the three colonies, I would prefer to live in Massachusetts Bay colony because only
2% of the population was enslaved meaning there was freedom in contrary to Virginia. There
was freedom in this colony and mostly Christianity freedom was the main objective for the
colonization.

HISTORY 1301
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References
Locke, J. L., & Wright, B. (Eds.). (2019). The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open
US History Textbook, Vol. 1: To 1877. Stanford University Press.
Locke, J. L., & Wright, B. (Eds.). (2019). The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open
US History Textbook, Vol. 2: Since 1877. Stanford University Press.