THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN COLONIES

THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN COLONIES evolved in the face of hostile fortunefrom the first settlements in Virginia and Massachusetts in the early 17th century.The development and success of the various colonies set up along the NorthAtlantic coastline was truly extraordinary. Within a few decades, after usually difficultbeginnings, the population and wealth of the communities grew rapidly. Some of thesmall coastal settlements grew into important port cities such as Boston, New York(originally founded by the Dutch), Baltimore, and Philadelphia. By the middle of the18th century the colonial populations of European origin were reckoned to total overa million and a half souls.