Dive into the formation and development of British colonies in... Show more
AP US History
Algebra
Overige
Algebra 1
BiologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
23
•
Dec 23, 2025
•
Exploring the Regions of the British Colonies - APUSH AMSCO Review
1 / 3
Early Colonial Settlements and Regional Development
The earliest English colonies were established with different purposes and by different groups of people. In 1607, Jamestown was chartered by the Virginia Company, a joint-stock company, but initially faced terrible hardships in its swampy location. Captain John Smith helped the settlement survive, while John Rolfe and his Native American wife Pocahontas developed a profitable tobacco crop that transformed Virginia's economy.
The New England colonies developed quite differently from Virginia. Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay were founded primarily by religious dissenters seeking freedom from the Church of England. The Separatists (Pilgrims) established Plymouth in 1620 after leaving Holland, while the more moderate Puritans, led by John Winthrop, established the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630, founding Boston and triggering the "Great Migration" of settlers.
Maryland was established as the first proprietary colony by George Calvert (Lord Baltimore) as a haven for persecuted Catholics. When his son Cecil took over, he implemented the Act of Toleration in 1649, granting religious freedom to all Christians—though tensions between the Catholic minority and Protestant majority eventually led to civil conflict.
Remember This: Colonial development was shaped by three charter types: corporate colonies (run by companies like Jamestown), royal colonies (directly ruled by the king like Virginia after 1642), and proprietary colonies (granted to individuals like Pennsylvania).
Religious Freedom and New Colony Formation
Religious disagreements sparked the creation of several new colonies. Roger Williams was banished from Massachusetts for challenging Puritan authority and founded Providence in 1636, which later became Rhode Island. His colony allowed Catholics, Quakers, and Jews to worship freely—a radical concept at the time. Similarly, Anne Hutchinson's belief in salvation through faith alone led to her banishment, resulting in the settlement of Portsmouth.
Connecticut emerged when Thomas Hooker led dissatisfied Puritans to establish Hartford. They created the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut in 1639—the first written constitution in the colonies that established a representative government elected by popular vote. New Hampshire was later separated from Massachusetts Bay in 1679, becoming a royal colony.
The Restoration of the monarchy under Charles II led to new colonial grants. The Carolinas were given to eight nobles as reward for their support, eventually developing into two distinct colonies. South Carolina developed large rice-growing plantations with enslaved labor, while North Carolina attracted small, self-sufficient tobacco farmers with more democratic views.
Quick Insight: As strict Puritan practices began to weaken, many colonies created the "halfway covenant" to maintain church membership and influence, allowing partial membership without requiring full religious conversion.
Middle Colonies and Georgia
The Middle Colonies—New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware—became known for their fertile land, excellent harbors, and religious tolerance. New York was seized from the Dutch in 1664 by the Duke of York (later James II), who allowed the Dutch to keep their customs but faced opposition when he tried to govern without a representative assembly.
Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn as a "Holy Experiment" for the persecuted Quakers. Penn implemented liberal ideas in his colony, creating a Frame of Government (guaranteeing a representative assembly) and a Charter of Liberties (ensuring freedom of worship). Unlike other colonial founders, Penn personally supervised Philadelphia's establishment and fairly paid Native Americans for their land.
Georgia, the 13th and final British colony, was established in 1733 by James Oglethorpe with two main purposes: creating a defensive buffer against Spanish Florida and providing a place for debtors from England's overcrowded jails. The colony initially had strict regulations against rum and slavery, but these restrictions were lifted when Georgia became a royal colony in 1752.
Remember: While democratic institutions like Virginia's House of Burgesses and New England's town meetings were developing, colonial democracy was limited—most women, enslaved people, Native Americans, and men without property were excluded from the political process.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content in AP US History
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring the Regions of the British Colonies - APUSH AMSCO Review
Dive into the formation and development of British colonies in North America, where regional differences emerged based on geography, resources, climate, and settler backgrounds. Each colony operated under different types of charters—corporate, royal, or proprietary—which defined their relationship with the... Show more
Early Colonial Settlements and Regional Development
The earliest English colonies were established with different purposes and by different groups of people. In 1607, Jamestown was chartered by the Virginia Company, a joint-stock company, but initially faced terrible hardships in its swampy location. Captain John Smith helped the settlement survive, while John Rolfe and his Native American wife Pocahontas developed a profitable tobacco crop that transformed Virginia's economy.
The New England colonies developed quite differently from Virginia. Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay were founded primarily by religious dissenters seeking freedom from the Church of England. The Separatists (Pilgrims) established Plymouth in 1620 after leaving Holland, while the more moderate Puritans, led by John Winthrop, established the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630, founding Boston and triggering the "Great Migration" of settlers.
Maryland was established as the first proprietary colony by George Calvert (Lord Baltimore) as a haven for persecuted Catholics. When his son Cecil took over, he implemented the Act of Toleration in 1649, granting religious freedom to all Christians—though tensions between the Catholic minority and Protestant majority eventually led to civil conflict.
Remember This: Colonial development was shaped by three charter types: corporate colonies (run by companies like Jamestown), royal colonies (directly ruled by the king like Virginia after 1642), and proprietary colonies (granted to individuals like Pennsylvania).
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Religious Freedom and New Colony Formation
Religious disagreements sparked the creation of several new colonies. Roger Williams was banished from Massachusetts for challenging Puritan authority and founded Providence in 1636, which later became Rhode Island. His colony allowed Catholics, Quakers, and Jews to worship freely—a radical concept at the time. Similarly, Anne Hutchinson's belief in salvation through faith alone led to her banishment, resulting in the settlement of Portsmouth.
Connecticut emerged when Thomas Hooker led dissatisfied Puritans to establish Hartford. They created the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut in 1639—the first written constitution in the colonies that established a representative government elected by popular vote. New Hampshire was later separated from Massachusetts Bay in 1679, becoming a royal colony.
The Restoration of the monarchy under Charles II led to new colonial grants. The Carolinas were given to eight nobles as reward for their support, eventually developing into two distinct colonies. South Carolina developed large rice-growing plantations with enslaved labor, while North Carolina attracted small, self-sufficient tobacco farmers with more democratic views.
Quick Insight: As strict Puritan practices began to weaken, many colonies created the "halfway covenant" to maintain church membership and influence, allowing partial membership without requiring full religious conversion.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Middle Colonies and Georgia
The Middle Colonies—New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware—became known for their fertile land, excellent harbors, and religious tolerance. New York was seized from the Dutch in 1664 by the Duke of York (later James II), who allowed the Dutch to keep their customs but faced opposition when he tried to govern without a representative assembly.
Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn as a "Holy Experiment" for the persecuted Quakers. Penn implemented liberal ideas in his colony, creating a Frame of Government (guaranteeing a representative assembly) and a Charter of Liberties (ensuring freedom of worship). Unlike other colonial founders, Penn personally supervised Philadelphia's establishment and fairly paid Native Americans for their land.
Georgia, the 13th and final British colony, was established in 1733 by James Oglethorpe with two main purposes: creating a defensive buffer against Spanish Florida and providing a place for debtors from England's overcrowded jails. The colony initially had strict regulations against rum and slavery, but these restrictions were lifted when Georgia became a royal colony in 1752.
Remember: While democratic institutions like Virginia's House of Burgesses and New England's town meetings were developing, colonial democracy was limited—most women, enslaved people, Native Americans, and men without property were excluded from the political process.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
1
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content in AP US History
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user