Chesapeake Colonies Essay Sample

Chesapeake colonies (Maryland and Virginia) located in the Chesapeake Bay were founded in 1607. The history of the region is full of misery, deprivations, and struggle for survival. However, today this is a prosperous region famous by Chesapeake Energy or a new breed of dog. What hardship did pioneers meet on their way to profusion? Gone with Disease First settlers faced the adverse environment of harsh winters and icy water. The land greeted male immigrants from England hostilely. As a result, a high percentage of inhabitants died after suffering from numerous diseases. For example, frequent outbreaks of malaria took away more than 28% of pioneers. It is worth mentioning that more than half of the population of the region was servants. Within three years, the majority of slaves died of: Malaria; Dysentery; Typhus; Influenza; Typhoid fever. Moreover, lack of running water and poor soil increased the mortality rate and hampered the progress as the settlers were forced to fight for the prosperity of their community. Today it’s hard to say why the diseases appeared in Chesapeake Colonies in the first place. Some scientists affirm that infections were brought from England; others claim that diseases were provoked by peculiarities of the Chesapeake Colonies geographical location. However, the native-born children became immune to the diseases allowing turn the tide and built a new world in North America. Servants and Slaves Using white servants that volunteered to work for masters was common in Chesapeake Colonies several years. However, they were replaced with black workers. In 1700 the population of Chesapeake Colonies highly increased due to the importation of slaves from Africa. Tobacco Cultivation The primary reason for the occupation of Chesapeake Colonies residents was tobacco farming. With the growth of population, the production volumes increased significantly. Tobacco became the principle source of income for the settlements. To provide fast shipment, tobacco plantations were located along waterways. The merchant ships advanced along the bay in search of lucrative offers. Usually, even industrialists sold the product on these piers. Due to the tobacco cultivation, the Virginia colonists got rich making a huge amount of money. Soon, planters started to produce corn and wheat. Social Life As Chesapeake Colonies, Virginia especially, plays a prominent role in the British economy, soon after arriving the local government was settled in the county seat. The government structure contrasted with the Massachusetts Bay policy due to a governor who appointed justices. At the first stage, the infrastructure improvements included a church, store, tavern, courthouse, and several houses. It was essential for the British government to maintain the order in the colonies, especially in those making a profit. Religion In religious and political matters, this area differed enormously from the New England. For example, in Virginia established the Church of England which implicated the inhabitants must pay taxes irrespective of their own origin. However, religion had never occupied the mind of the settlers as the profit of cultivation tobacco. Besides, a lack of ministers adversely affects the relationship between members of the community and church. Interesting Facts: Water Dog Due to the Chesapeake pioneers, the world is fortunate to have a new breed of dog, well-known now as Chesapeake Bay retriever. The Chesapeake Bay is a huge land number of migratory birds. In the past, there were so many of them that with one shot in a mass of birds hunter could kill 10 or even 20 ducks! It is not strange that dogs capable of seeking the prey and retrieving all fallen ducks considered as a most valuable hunting companion. Luckily for the inhabitants of the region, by chance, a water dog was breed in the chilly chop of Chesapeake Bay. Many myths about the origin of the Retriever exist. But the most famous story involves the shipwreck happened in 1807 at the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The crew managed to survive with two Newfoundland puppies, male Sailor and bitch Canton. Both of them were given to the men who rescued the ship team. As there were a plenty of nondescript dogs and other outcrosses on the coast, soon the Colonies has a new addition to the dogs party. The newborn puppies were trained as a water dog used for duck retrieving. Now the dogs resemble in appearance to the Labrador Retriever. This breed is well- known for adoring water and their ability to hunt. Conclusion The harsh environment took away thousands of lives of those who arrived at the land to build a new world. The settlers who were lucky to survive in the wild struggle made a fortune due to tobacco profusion. Unfortunately, the crop also ruined the soil of the region. Though nowadays, Virginia and Maryland have the greatest concentration of technology and median household income. The territory is rich in natural gas and petroleum as here situated the headquarters of Chesapeake Energy Corporation.