Summary
Massachusetts describes life in the early colony, including such details as the growth of the colony, farming practices, fishing, overseas trade, shipbuilding, and the structure of the government, as well as the numerous conflicts with Native Americans. Informative chapters cover England's many attempts to assert control over the colonies, as well as intriguing historical events such as the Salem witchcraft trials and the siege of Boston. The role of Massachusetts in the formation of the Constitution is discussed, along with its place as the sixth state to ratify it. In addition to these absorbing stories, readers will also learn about the post-Revolution struggles such as a loss of trade and Shays's Rebellion. Numerous black-and-white photographs and maps provide a stimulating visual accompaniment to the well-written, easy-to-follow text.
Sidebars include:
- Anne Dudley Bradstreet
- Harvard
- Puritans and their beliefs
- Paul Revere
- Deborah Sampson
- Squanto
- The first Thanksgiving
- The Mayflower Compact.