The Effects of Geography on Population Distribution
and Settlement in the 17th and 18th Centuries
Trace the map on page 36 of
History Alive! The United States
onto a piece of unlined butcher paper. Draw and label the major physical
characteristics of the colonial environment, including such features as the
Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian Mountains. Take this map to each colonial
booth during this lesson, and ask each presenter the following question:
How did the major physical characteristics of the colonial environment affect
population distribution and settlement in (colony they are presenting)?
Then, write an essay in which you assess the impact of the environmental
setting on colonial settlement and population distribution. Consider such
topics as:
- •
Which colonies had the largest colonial cities?
- •
Which colonies drew the largest number of settlers? Why?
- •
What physical characteristics of this environment influenced population
distribution in the 18th century?
- •
What changes were made to the environment because of settlement?
- •
How did settlement affect economic activities in the 17th and 18th centuries?
Enrichment Activity
