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? Use your knowledge of the colonial period up to 1700 to develop your answer.

While both New England and Chesapeake were settled by people of English origin both communities gradually developed on a different scale, not only because of their different geography and basic economics but also because of the kind of people who settled there.

Explanation:

New England was mostly settled by a group of families who came with young children to start a new life. Their aim was to find a safe place to raise their families, away from the religious persecution of Europe.

On the other hand, Chesapeake consisted mostly of single men and people who were seeking a way to make a fortune.

New England also did not offer the same agriculture opportunities. As large-scale farming was difficult, most people relied on timber, fishing and other such means to earn a source of income.

Chesapeake was a rich agriculture land where rice and tobacco could be grown in abundance.

By the mid-1600s, news of large parts of abundant land in the New World had reached England and many young men were trying to make a new life.

By the 1700s, both areas had become thriving communities.

All this gradually gave rise to a very difficult culture in both communities.