Life for colonists in 18th Century Colonial America was governed by a combination of religions, ethnicities and regions. The differences among the American people created the diverse, distinctive American character that continues to exist today. Each region differed, and the colonists struggled with religious and ethnic conflicts. Yet, new ideas were able to blend the regions, break the tensions, and create a new American character.

North America was divided into distinct colonial societies. These were known as New England, the Middle Colonies, the Chesapeake, and the Lower South. The regions contained diverse ethnicities, grew different crops, and had various literacy rates. However, even with their differences they had certain elements in common that helped create a unified character. The economy served as a consolidating element for the regions. Population growth led to colonial manufacturing and a network of internal trade. Trade allowed the regions to integrate, because customs...