New England and Virginia were both settled by people of English decent. Both areas were settled at around the same period of time. However, the two developed into very different societies. The main explanation for this is the bases upon which each area was founded.
The Puritans were a hard working, god-fearing people. After many years of religious prosecution in their homeland of England they sought out refuge in the neighboring country of Holland. After living in Amsterdam for a year, the group moved to the town of Leyden. For the next twelve years the Puritans built the reputation of being honest and hard working. However, life was very hard in Holland. Many families did not have enough money to make ends meet. The group resolved that they would lead a better life in America. The trip to America was a hard one, however, it brought the group closer together. On November 11, 1620 the Puritans anchored in Cape Cod Harbor.
Virginian colonies were constantly in danger of attack by Native Americans and other invaders on their territory. However, the colonists were not willing to give themselves to things such as the military. They were too busy worrying about their own financial gain. "[This] (the Indians) gives men fearful apprehensions of the danger they leave their estates and families in, while they are drawn from their houses to defend the borders"(Document G). Excuses such as these were sent to the king of England when the military of Virginia was defeated in battle. The lack of camaraderie in the later settlers of Virginia was passed on from these earlier settlers.
Although both New England and Virginia later went on to become prosperous areas of America, the reasons that the societies within each colony were so different are obvious. The reason is the motive for which each area created.
Each man did not work for the better of himself but for the bett
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