The 13 Colonies: Focus on New England — Interpretations

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores different historical interpretations of the development of New England in the 13 Colonies. Students will compare historians' views and evaluate their perspectives based on evidence and reasoning.

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The 13 Colonies: Focus on New England — Interpretations

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Contrasting Historians’ Views on New England

Historian A: David Freeman – Economic Perspective "David Freeman argues that the development of New England was primarily driven by economic factors. He emphasizes the importance of trade, shipbuilding, and the pursuit of profits in shaping the colonies' growth. Freeman highlights that economic self-sufficiency and trade with Britain and other colonies created a prosperous environment that encouraged migration and settlement. He suggests that economic motives were the key to the colonies’ success and stability, fostering a sense of enterprise and independence among settlers."

Historian B: Sarah Lewis – Social Perspective "Sarah Lewis contends that social factors such as community bonds, religious beliefs, and family networks were the most influential in shaping New England. She emphasizes the role of Puritan values in creating a cohesive society focused on moral discipline and communal support. Lewis argues that social cohesion and shared religious goals motivated migration and sustained the colonies through difficult times, fostering a strong sense of identity and purpose among settlers."

B

Questions

1.
Summarize each historian's view on what influenced the development of New England. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Explain why the two historians have different views about what influenced New England’s development. (5 marks)
[5 marks]
3.
Compare which historian’s interpretation you find more convincing and explain why. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
4.
Outline the main differences between the two historians’ interpretations. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
5.
Describe how understanding different interpretations helps us learn more about history. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
6.
Evaluate which interpretation you think is more convincing and justify your choice. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
7.
Identify one limitation of Freeman’s economic interpretation. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
8.
Identify one limitation of Lewis’s social interpretation. (3 marks)
[3 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet