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Major Industries of the 13 Colonies – Handout

Analyze a map of the 13 colonies to draw conclusions and make predictions. 

Guiding Question

  • What factors influence the establishment of different types of colonies in North America?

Objectives

  • I can analyze a map to discover information about the major industries of the 13 colonies.

Directions: Use this handout to investigate the Major Industries of the 13 colonies map. Begin by brainstorming what you already know about the colonies. Then, answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper in full sentences.

Background Knowledge

Directions: Before analyzing the map, reflect on what you already know about the American Northern and Southern colonies. Consider climate, reasons for settlement, and age of the colonies. There is a line across the map to help you delineate North and South.

Northern Colonies Southern Colonies
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions:

Comprehend

Directions: Use the map to answer the questions.

  • Which colonies were involved in cash crop farming for tobacco?
  • Which industries are associated with Massachusetts on the map?
  • Name two colonies known for shipping/trading.
  • Which colonies had small farms for fruits and vegetables?
  • Where was whaling a major industry?

Analyze

Directions: Use the map and your own knowledge to answer the questions.

  • Why do you think shipping and trading were prominent in New York and Massachusetts?
  • How might the geography of New England have influenced its industries like fishing and whaling?
  • If you lived in Virginia during colonial times, what type of job might you have? Why?
  • Look at the industries in the Northern and Southern colonies. What differences do you notice? What do you think caused them?
  • How did available natural resources shape the industries of each colony? Provide examples.
  • Look at the colonies where slavery exists. What industries are more likely to exist with enslaved labor?
  • Imagine you were a merchant in the 13 Colonies. Which colony would you want to work in, and why?
  • If you were starting a new colony during this era, which industry would you focus on and why?
  • Compare the industries in New Hampshire and Georgia. How are they similar and different? Why do you think that is?
  • How could the industries depicted on this map affect how different colonies traded with each other?