Connecticut
- Connecticut was founded in 1636 by Thomas Hooker. He wanted a colony where Protestants could live in peace but not the way they lived in Massachusetts. This meant that many protestants would move to Connecticut to live among others who shared their ideas.
- Economy- Because Connecticut has so much coastline, the colony's economy depended on a lot of fishing, whaling, and shipping.
- Geography- There was poor soil in the New England colonies. However, it had thick forests which supplied wood for shipbuilding. A major part of the geography is the Atlantic Ocean running along the border. Connecticut's winters were cold and harsh and the summers were mild.
- Government- First, a legislative colony was set in order, in 1639 the Fundamental Orders Of Connecticut were founded which formed government, included details about running it as well, and gave 5 main points towards the people. In 1662 Connecticut became a Royal Colony which meant it was under control of the English crown and finally became a Charter Government in 1755 which meant they had to follow the rules and privileges etc. of their charters, contracts etc.
- Some famous people born in Connecticut are: Benedict Arnold, P.T. Barnum, Katherine Hepburn, and George W. Bush.
- Connecticut was a Protestant colony which only tolerated the Protestant religion.
- Target Residents/ Residency Requirements- Anyone who wanted to get away from Massachusetts's strict government was likely to come to Connecticut. As long as they respected the Protestant way of life, anyone was welcome.
- One of the most important founding documents of the colonies was the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut. The document was a plan for government and how run the colony.
"It is Ordered, sentenced, and decreed, that the deputies thus chosen shall have power and liberty to appoint a time and a place of meeting together before any General Court "
From the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
This quote from the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut explains that officials have the power to hold meetings in a court. It is allowing people to gather to discuss social or political matters before a General Court.