Women in Colonial America
• Pick two colonies (New England, Middle, or Southern colonies) and explain how women’s roles differ in the two colonies of your choice.
• Describe what legal rights women held during the colonial period.
• Analyze how Native women’s lives were different from colonial women’s lives.
Sample Answer
The tapestry of colonial America reveals starkly contrasting experiences for women depending on the soil underfoot. Stepping from the bustling towns of New England into the sun-drenched plantations of the South, one encounters landscapes shaped not only by climate and geography, but also by distinct social and legal frameworks that dictated the lives of women. Examining the unique circumstances of these two regions allows us to appreciate the diverse tapestry of women’s roles and challenges during this period.