Soon after the colonization of the Americas began, two distinct regions formed on the Atlantic Coast of North America. Although people of English origin largely settled both areas, they developed into two very differing societies. This was due in part to the different motivations for colonization and also the opposing geographic features in each respective area. .
The Northern Region, New England, was a mostly Puritan society with impeding religious values. Religion played a vital role in almost every activity performed by the colonists. Before establishing the famous "City on a Hill" in present day Boston, John Winthrop wrote, "if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, we so cause him to withdraw his present help from us." (A) Religion was the primary motivation for New Englanders to settle in the New World; many had fled from religious persecution or regulation and wished to please their own God in their new lives. Most of these religious-oriented colonists came over in large families with their wives, children, and even servants. (B) An article from 17th century Massachusetts writes, "we intend that our town shall be composed of forty families, rich and poor" (D) This is a clear indicator that these people planned to settle permanently and begin a totally new life, starting fresh from binding class restrictions held in the homeland. How they began their new lives was decided for them by the geographic elements they faced. New England has a rocky, irregular coastline and thus many harbors. These harbors made it a center for trade and commerce, thus many villages and towns sprang up near the coast where various jobs and tasks were performed. New England thrived in the fishing and lumber trade and grew to span an area from Maine down to Massachusetts. Because of the profit and wealth that this area accumulated, job specialization occurred rapidly and a strong merchant middle class emerged who would strongly influence the region's future.
