1993+Sample+Answer+2

1993 DBQ Sample Answer 2



 * Although New England and the Chesapeake region were both settled largely by people of English origin, by 1700 the regions had evolved into two distinct societies. Why did this difference in development occur?**

New England and the Chesapeake region were both settled by migrants from England, but somehow by 1700, the two regions had developed into different societies. Although these colonies were mainly English in origin, that was the only thing that they had in common. The New England and Chesapeake regions became distinct and different by 1700 because of their differences in economy, society, and politics.

New England and the Chesapeake region had vastly different economies. In the “Articles of Agreement” of Springfield, Massachusetts, it is stated that people should not discriminate or be left out b/c of issues concerning their wealth and that everyone will be given the amount of land that is needed (Doc. D). In Connecticut in 1676, limits were set as to how much one can charge for services or work so that there was fairness and equality in wealth and economy (Doc. E). In both of the previously mentioned documents, religion and morality influenced the ppl. of New England to seek a safe and nondiscriminant system of attitude toward the economy. However, it is displayed in the “History of Virginia” written by John Smith, that the first people in Virginia were there to found gold or other sources of wealth (Doc. F). This ambition for material wealth greatly contrasts with the economic system of New England that was formed so that economy would not disrupt peace or unity.

The societies of the two regions were almost completely different from one another. In “A Model Christian Charity” by John Winthrop (the founder of Massachusetts and devoted Puritan), it is clearly displayed that he had found Massachusetts with a goal of making it a “model Christian” town (Doc. A). John Winthrop was a devoted Puritan who found Massachusetts. He probably would have believed that they couldn’t successfully settle a colony w/o the help of God which explains his theory on being the “Model of Christianity.” In addition in the “Ship’s List of Emigrants Bound for New England” it is easy to see that most, if not all, are traveling in nuclear families; there are ministers, servants, tailors, and other people w/ jobs as well—most emigrants were included in a family and had stable jobs which means that they were emigrating for faith and social issues (Doc. B). In contrast, in the “Ship’s List of Emigrants Bound for Virginia,” one can’t help but notice that nearly everyone belongs to a young age group, most are men in their twenties or teens excluding a few individuals—it must mean that the people headed to colonize Virginia were young men looking for a way to get rich or possibly a new start in life (Doc. C). While those headed to New England were often traveling in families and had an even mixture of women, men, children, and different age groups to find a religious or social haven, people emigrating to the Chesapeake region were young singles wanting to make money or a start a new life in a new place.

The politics of the 2 regions, New England and the Chesapeake, were very distinct from each other. “Governor Berkeley and His Council on their Inability to Defend Virginia Against a Dutch Attack” shows that Virginia was not a safe or stable place-there was fighting and political wars between the English colonies and the Dutch (Doc. G). Later, Bacon formed a rebellion against Berkeley b/c of his incompetence as a governor, as inferred from the “Manifesto”—not only were there international wars, but also a kind of “civil war” going on for control (Doc. H). Bacon hated Indians and the way that the government could not control them (N. Am), so when the Glorious Revolution has come, he revolted against Berkeley. Then, to justify his acts of aggression, he wrote this “Manifesto” to clear his name from blame. One can infer from the “Articles of Agreement, Springfield, Massachusetts” and the “Wage and Price Regulations in Connecticut” that religion impacted politics greatly; economic and social laws were based on morals and religious principles (Doc. E & Doc. D). Also, Puritans formed congregational governments where each congregation was led by its ministers and all free, white men could vote. While the corruption and incompetence of the government led to wars and rebellions in the Chesapeake regions, religious Puritans formed a nearly democratic, unified, and peaceful congregational governments in New England.

Although both New England and the Chesapeake regions were settled by (mainly) England, they had become very different from each other by 1700. Their differences were caused by economy among many things—New England wanted an economic system that would not hinder the peace of the colony while people who came to the Chesapeake regions were ppl. looking for gold and ways of acquiring wealth. Also, N. England was very devoted to their faith (Puritanism) & had emigrant families while Chesa. had single men looking for a new start. There was political controversy in Chesa. area b/c of the war between the Dutch & English as well as civil unrest due to Bacon’s Rebellion; in N. England, congregational governments unified the people and kept the peace. It would have been very helpful to have been provided w/ a document from a woman source living New England and talking about how religion (Puritanism) was the most important factor of their lives. Also, a document from a Native American on how they view the ppl. of New England or the Chesapeake region in an interview or conversation (since they couldn’t write) would have proved very informational. Though different and perhaps the opposite of each other, the Chesapeake region and New England were bound together by sharing a common origin—England.