Introduction
The purpose of the original settlements of Virginia and Massachusetts was very different. Virginia was founded as a commercial venture by the London Company in 1607 (Chet, 2019). Its primary purpose was to make a profit, as the settlers were expected to find gold and other resources to bring back to England.
Discussion
The economy of Virginia was based almost entirely on the production of tobacco, which was in high demand in Europe. This resulted in a plantation-style economy in which wealthy landowners held most of the wealth and power. In contrast, the Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded in 1630 by the Puritans (Mullin & Kotval, 2021). Their primary purpose was to create a religious community that followed their moral, social, and spiritual values. This resulted in a unique economic structure compared to that of Virginia. The settlers of Massachusetts relied mainly on subsistence farming and fishing. In addition, they engaged in small-scale trade and commerce, but there were other focuses of their economy.
The cultural values of Virginia and Massachusetts were also quite different. Virginia was essentially a hierarchical society, with a great emphasis on the idea of noblesse obliges, which meant that the wealthy landowners had a responsibility to their tenants and laborers. In Massachusetts, on the other hand, the Puritans believed in the importance of hard work and the equality of all people before God. This resulted in a much more egalitarian society. Finally, Virginia and Massachusetts had very different purposes at the time of their original settlement, reflected in their respective economies and cultural values (Cui et al., 2022).
Conclusion
Virginia was founded as a commercial venture, while Massachusetts was founded as a refuge for the Puritans. Virginia had a plantation-style economy and a hierarchical society, while Massachusetts had a subsistence-based economy and a more egalitarian society. The two settlements differed in many ways and achieved unique goals.
References
Cui, X., Ma, L., Tao, T., & Zhang, W. (2022). Do the supply and demand for rural public service facilities match? Assessment based on the perspective of rural residents. Sustainable Cities and Society, p. 82, 103905. Web.
Chet, G. (2019). The Colonists’ American Revolution: Preserving English Liberty, 1607-1783. John Wiley & Sons. Web.
Mullin, J. R., & Kotval, Z. (2021). Manufacturing in Puritan rural towns in New England 1630–60:‘a miller never goes to heaven’. Rural History, 32(2), 187-196. Web.