| Factor | British colonies | American colonies |
|---|---|---|
| Government | Colonies were ruled by a governor appointed by the British crown | Colonies had elected assemblies that made their own laws |
| Religion | Church of England was the official religion | There was religious freedom, and many different religious groups were represented |
| Economy | Colonies were mercantilist, meaning that they were expected to produce goods for export to Britain | Colonies were more diversified and had more trade with other countries |
| Social structure | Society was more stratified, with a small aristocracy at the top and a large number of poor farmers and laborers at the bottom | Society was more egalitarian, with a larger middle class |
How did these differences affect the race for American colonies?
The differences between the British and American colonies had a profound impact on the race for American colonies.
* The colonists' desire for self-government. The colonists in the American colonies were unhappy with the British government's control over their affairs. They wanted to have a say in how they were governed and to be able to make their own laws.
* Religious freedom. The colonists in the American colonies were attracted by the religious freedom that they found there. Many of them had come to America to escape religious persecution in Europe, and they wanted to be able to worship freely in their new home.
* Economic opportunity. The American colonies offered more economic opportunity than the British Isles. Land was plentiful and cheap, and there were many opportunities for trade and commerce.
* Social equality. The American colonies were more egalitarian than the British Isles. There was less class distinction and more opportunity for social mobility.
All of these factors contributed to the colonists' desire to break away from British rule and to establish their own independent country.