Rhode+Island

=__**RHODE ISLAND**__=
 * By: Alyssa McCain and Karen Gomez**

Geography-

 * Rhode Island is located in the northeast, between Massachusetts and Conneticut in the United States.(exactly 41.7 N, 71.5 W.) It has a rocky shorline, and some hills instead of mountains. The tallest of these, and closest to a mountain-like structure, is Jerimoth Hill. Rhode Island also has alot of freshwater and wetlands which have a diverse amount of vegitaion and are very fertile. It has a rocky shoreline, and 5 major rivers along with other minor ones. The major rivers are Pawcatuck river, Sackonnet river, Providence river, Warren river, and Potowomut river. It's major geographic features also include Narrangansett Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and Narrangsett Valley. While Rhode Island was being colonized, its seasons affected the colony's developement. It's long winters, and short summers were a disadvantage for growning crops. Rhode Island has one main harbor, which is named Newport.

History-

 * Rhode Island was colonized at around 1663, by Roger Williams and others who wanted to follow him in his pursuit to establish a settlement. He had been banished from his home in Massachusetts becuase he was accused of having unconventional beliefs, perhaps against the religion in that colony. After he left, he decided to leave and go to America, as many other pilgrims did. They fleed from religious persecution and unjust accusaitions like he did. Once Roger Willliams arrived on Rhode Island, he and his group of commerades established the settlement called Providence closeby Narragansett Bay. Before the settlers arrived, Rhode Island was dominated by two tribes under the Algonquian group. They were the Narrangansetts (which was what the bay in Rhode Island was named after) and the Wampanoags. These tribes would constantly fight sometimes for territorial gain or for power in the area. The Narrangansetts mainly were located in the the southwest, while the Wampanoags were in the northeast. When Roger Williams encountered the Native Americans, he treated them fairly and politely, and encouraged others to do so. This in turn proved to be rewarding, because he established a peaceful relationship with them while he was alive. He also believed in Religious toleration and freedom, independence as individuals, and democracy. As a result, his influence affected many colonists into adopting some of his ideas. Different settlements soon arose in Rhode Island. Two other settlements along with Providence formed a group called Providence Plantations. They were Pawtuxet (founded by William Arnold) and Shawomet (founded by Samuel Gorton). Another settlement near Newport emerged after some colonists left Pocasset on Aquidneck Island. It is inferred that most of the colonists came from Britain, or from other colonies. The colonists who settled on Rhode Island became prosperous for a while by using trade and mercantalism to acquire money.

Economics-

 * The colonists in Rhode Island hunted whales, fished, and participated in the slave trade in order to gaim riches. (Rhode Island had slavery.) They became very prosperous because of their geographic advantage of Newport(it had a deep harbor), which proved useful in trading with other countries along with Britain. Thus, Rhode Island became one of the most prosperous in their region due to it's advantages.

Social-

 * English was mainly spoken throughout Rhode Island, and there was no Religious affiliation for a time, because many colonists believed in freedom of religion. Because of this many Quakers, Jews, Catholics, and Purtians moved there. Women were treated like they were in many conservative colonies, and they often had to stay at home and care for the children.

Political-

 * Rhode Island had a charter from King Charles II of Britain that was brought by John Clarke. It called for a democratic government along with freedom of religion, which greatly affected the colonies ways. As a result, they developed a self government system as well, and encouraged independence.

Terms-

 * Triangle Trade- . Rhode Island gained alot of profit from the triangle trade by exchanging goods to Britain, and from the Caribean islands for slaves from Africa.
 * Salutary Neglect- During this period of time Rhode Island became very independent and barely relied on Britain. After the French and Indian war the british tried to gain more control over the region, which angered many colonists.
 * Mercantalism- the act of giving raw materials from colonies to their mother country in exchange for developed goods. Rhode Island used this for profit in the past.
 * Great Awakening- Rhode Island did not recieve any effects from the great awakening, because of their freedom of religion and independent ways.
 * Cash Crops- Rhode Island did not have cash crops, because of their enviornment. Instead, they would trade from Newport.

French and Indian War-

 * Rhode Island was involved in the French and Indian War when settlers in the region began to quarrel with Native Americans over land. This disrupted the peace that they established for many years, and ended in tragic consequences. Their tensions lead to King Philp's War in 1675, which lasted throughout the winter until the next year. Although Native American tribe leader Matacomet waged a huge army against the settlers in Bristol, they still ended up being defeated. Many Native American lives were lost, and nearly depleted their population.
 * Generally, there were more Patriots in the colony, who strongly supported the American Revolution. This was because they were angry with the trading restriction the British imposed on the colonies.

Revolution-

 * There were no leaders from Rhode Island that participated in the American Revolution. The reason for this was that the British had taken over Newport and blocked trade. They stayed in Rhode Island from December of 1776-October of 1779, which was a long amount of time. However, the settlers in Rhode Island still attempted to drive out the British, which led to the Battle of Rhode Island. Sadly, they lost the battle, and they were forced to give up any more attempts by starting other battles. Rhode Island was affected by the American Revolution because they strongly supported its cause, and also suffered a large debt after the war. At first, Rhode Island did not approve of the constitution because they feared that the government would abuse its power. They declared their location as a free republic in the year of 1789, but their decision soon changed. Because of the Bill of Rights and other promising rules of freedom and equality, they decided to agree with the Consitution, and also had it passed on May of 1790.
 * //__Citations:__//**
 * "Rhode Island." //American History.// ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 22 Sept. 2010.
 * Crawford, Mark. "Rhode Island: Geography." //United States Geography. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 29 Sept. 2010. []//
 * "Rhode Island." //American History.// ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 29 Sept. 2010. []


 * //__By: Alyssa McCain & Karen Gomez :)__//**