How did economic development affect politics in Massachusetts and Virginia between 1607 and 1750?

Answer 1

http://www.scribd.com/doc/9800495/Compare-and-Contrast-Massachusetts-and-Virginia-Economics-and-Politics-

The main difference was that Virginia had an extremely fragile economic system; all the money belonged to the wealthy plantation owners, who also held all the power. In essence, money equaled power.

In Massachusetts, the wealth was spread more evenly - there were multiple sources of income and did not depend on one thing (for Virginia, it was tobacco) - and led to a more democratic and equal government.

Answer 2

Although the Massachusetts and Virginia colonies were two of the most economically successful colonies, their methods and character were markedly different. The Massachusetts colony settlers came to America to escape religious prosecution, and brought strong ethics, faith, and a strict Protestant work ethic. The Virginia settlers, on the other hand, came to America to become rich. The emphasis on faith wasn't nearly as strong in southern colonies, and they tended to be lazier, depending a great deal on native, and then slave labor. Massachusetts Colony grew rich by working hard, and taking advantage of the Natural Resources, while Virginia Colony grew rich growing cash groups and buying more and more slaves to work their fields. Massachusetts Colony became the first place where abolition became a major goal, and the south clung to the slave system to maintain the lifestyle they had since grown accustomed to. Politically, this led to the first stirrings of north and south sectionalism.

Answer 3

Massachusetts was not established until 1620 and much of the question does not apply concerning economic development. Jamestown, VA was established in 1604 and in the first years it almost failed with most of the 103 men dying within the first 6 months. Each colony found various means to grow and thrive. For Massachusetts it was in fishing, shipping, timber, and naval stores. VA grew tobacco and other crops as well as selling slaves. Economic development and politics always go hand in hand. Since the British passed trade laws that affected the colonies and they controlled the tax base the colonies development various means to cope. Smuggling was one way and out of that men became rich and powerful. These men would eventually take part in the colonial politics and work in the local government.