Which country established the original 13 colonies in North America?

Social Studies · High School · Sun Jan 24 2021

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The original 13 colonies in North America were established by Great Britain. These colonies were formed along the eastern coast of what is now the United States and were a part of the British expansion in the New World during the 16th and 17th centuries. Each colony developed its own identity, but all were part of the British Empire.

The 13 original colonies can be categorized into three geographic areas consisting of the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies.

1. New England Colonies: This included Massachusetts (which later was divided into Massachusetts and Maine), Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. They were primarily settled for religious reasons by Puritans and Pilgrims.

2. Middle Colonies: These were New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. They featured a mix of religions and were known for their diversity and rich farmlands.

3. Southern Colonies: The Southern Colonies consisted of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. These colonies were established to grow cash crops like tobacco and were heavily dependent on agriculture and, later, slave labor.

The 13 colonies eventually grew dissatisfied with British rule and taxes, leading to the American Revolution. In 1776, these colonies declared independence and formed the United States of America. The story of the 13 colonies is integral to understanding the early history of the United States, including the reasons for colonization, the outcomes of European settlement, and the path to American independence.