University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Colonial Economy
Whatever early colonial prosperity there was resulted from trapping and trading in furs. In addition, the fishing industry was a primary source of wealth in Massachusetts. But throughout the colonies, people relied primarily on small...
PBS
Pbs: About All You Can Eat: A Feast at Plimouth Plantation
A lesson plan in the culinary delicacies of the Plymouth Plantation in 1627. In this integrated lesson plan, students examine the history of foods eaten during this colonial era and prepare an actual meal based on what they have learned....
Other
Plimouth Plantation
Plimoth Plantation brings us "Living, breathing history," and lots of fun delving into various aspects like the Wampanoag, the English Colonists, the colony itself, and, of course, Thanksgiving - myth and reality. This is a site with...
The History Cat
The History Cat: History of Colonial America: Jamestown Colony
Describes the struggles of the Jamestown Colony to survive in its first years. Many died from disease and starvation, and things only began to turn when the colonists started to grow tobacco. The use of indentured servants and later,...
McGraw Hill
Mc Graw Hill: Colonial Economy and Patterns of Society
Although tied to pages from a specific text, these AP study questions allow anyone to consider aspects of colonial economics. (Answers to some of the questions are located at the following link:...
Tom Richey
Tom richey.net: Religious Freedom in Colonial New England [Ppt]
Presents key ideas for examining the roles Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson played in promoting religious toleration in colonial America.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: The Slave Experience: Living Conditions
This PBS series site reveals the diverse circumstances and living conditions experienced by slaves and indentured servants in America by reading documents dating to the Colonial, Antebellum, and Reconstruction periods.
Other
Plimoth Plantation: You Are the Historian
What really happened at the first Thanksgiving? Students will explore different aspects of the harvest celebration in 1621 through an interactive program provided by an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: William Byrd (1674 1744)
A short essay about William Byrd from the colonial period of American history who detailed life in the Southern colonies.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: Slavery & Making of America: The Slave Experience: Men, Women & Gender
Learn about issues related to slave gender roles at this PBS series site that features illustrations and documents dating back to the Colonial, Antebellum, and Reconstruction periods in American history.
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Colonial Williamsburg: Colonial African American Life
Provides a few statistics on slaves in Maryland and Virginia and then contrasts the lives of field hand vs household or urban slaves.
British Library
British Library: Caribbean Views
Learn about plantation life during the 18th and 19th centuries by viewing images, maps, and text material in this virtual exhibition from the British Library. Writer Mike Phillips gives his personal interpretation of this exhibit on...
Thinkport Education
Mpt: Exploring Maryland's Roots: The Colony Begins (1634 1640)
In-depth site includes videos and interactive learning activities to help you learn more about Maryland as it was being founded. Play the game that lets you build your own plantation and find out all the problems colonists faced in...
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
History Is Fun: Tobacco and Labor [Pdf]
A clear explanation of the system of indentured servitude that supplied Virginia tobacco plantations with the labor force they needed in order to manage their crops. Explains how such servants were able to earn their own land, and how...
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: Coffee Fazenda of Brazil 1911
The Modern History Sourcebook provides this great look at what life would be like on a coffee plantation during the early 20th century. It describes the houses, life on the plantation, colonists, and harvests.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: The Rise of Consumerism
With the increasing variety in clothes, food, and household items, shopping became an important cultural activity in the 18th century. This article describes buying and selling during this period and explains the connection between many...
Library of Congress
Loc: John Bull and Uncle Sam
Part of an exhibit that talks about the British exploration and settlement of America.
Bartleby
Bartleby.com: William Bradford
This site contains a biography of Bradford and some discussion of The History of Plymouth Plantation. No other information is given.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Land of the Brave: Salutary Neglect
Salutary neglect was a long-standing British policy in the thirteen colonies which allowed the colonists to flout, or violate, the laws associated with trade. There were no effective enforcement agencies and it was expensive to send...
Curated OER
Virginia Tobacco Plantation
Four accounts of the complex power relationships between slaves and slave holders within English colonies in Barbados, Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well as documents about slave revolts and anti-slavery agitation.
University of Oregon
Mapping History: American History
Interactive and animated maps and timelines of historical events and time periods in American history from pre-European times until post-World War II.
PBS
Pbs: Africans in America: Part 1: The Growth of Slavery in North America
Focuses on slavery in North America, the worry about uprisings, and slavery's economic impact. Links to related information.
Other
Understanding Slavery: The Lives of Eighteenth Century African Americans
Comprehensive description of slaves in South Carolina. Click on the topics on the left to take you to a wealth of information about the lives of slaves in South Carolina.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Rice Cultivation in Georgetown County
Describes the planting, cultivating, harvesting, and preparing rice in the antebellum South. Contains review questions.