The thirteen colonies are generally categorized into three regions. These regions are the New England Colonies, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies. Each region had its own unique characteristics, making the American struggle for independence such a profound event.

The New England Colonies consisted of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Culturally, the New England region was of the Puritan religion. The region focused on fishing, fur trading, and, eventually, manufacturing to build the economy. Farming was more difficult in this region because of harsh winters and rocky soils.

The Middle Colonies were New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. This region shared a mixture of characteristics with both the New England and Southern regions. Culturally, it was more diverse in terms of religion and nationalities. Puritans, Quakers, and Baptists all lived together here. The region benefited from a mild climate and rich soil, which produced vast amounts of crops; this was the backbone of their economy.

The Southern Colonies had Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. This was the largest region. Similar to the Middle Colonies, the Southern Colonies did not have a specific religion. This region's economy was primarily agriculture. The warm climate and fertile soils were perfect for producing tobacco, cotton, and other crops. This ultimately led to slave labor.