1. Geographic, economic, political, and social factors all shaped the development of the colonies.

 2. Europeans settled in the colonies for a variety of reasons. They also founded communities in a variety of ways.

 3. Colonial society was monarchic. As a result, social rank was highly significant for both society as a whole and for the lives of individuals.

 4. Colonials founded societies whose people were diverse in terms of ethnicity, religion, government, and social rank.

The challenge in Unit III is to demonstrate to students how different life in colonial America in the 17th and 18th centuries was from the present, while at the same time relating the period's significance in a way that students will be able to understand. The focus of the unit is on diversity: the variety of colonies and communities; and the importance of social rank found in colonial life as well as the opportunities for advancement.

 Students should be engaged in activities that make these concepts come alive. The unit includes work with primary sources, research, and simulation, all of which provide developmentally appropriate opportunities for in-depth study.

Question/Problem 1 : How did European colonies in North America differ?

Question/Problem 2: Identify and summarize the reasons why English settlers came to America and founded colonies as soon as they arrived.

Question/Problem 3 : Explore reasons why social rank was important to both the individual and society.

Question/Problem 4 : Describe the ethnic, religious, social, educational and governmental diversity in the English colonies.