Society and culture in colonial America (1565-1776) varied widely among ethnic and social groups, and from colony to colony, but was mostly centered around agriculture as it was the primary venture in most regions. While New England had small family farms, the southern colonies had large plantations that required slave labor. Religion also played a major role in shaping some local cultures; many people who colonized North America were fleeing religious persecution in their home country and implemented strict religious-based rules in the colonies where they settled.

Explore more about daily life in colonial America with these classroom resources.