Early Colonization and Development of Rhode Island - Research Paper Example

Early Colonization and Development of Rhode Island Introduction Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States, located in New England. Its neighbouring states are Massachusetts and Connecticut, and is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The name Rhode Island came from the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazano who sailed around the area in 1524, and believed that it reminded him of the Isle of Rhodes. The official name of the state “Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations” reflects the earlier colonial times. This is because although Newport on Aquidnick Island was the thriving center of the state, the colony also included plantations in and around the capital city of Providence, at the end of the bay (Moakley & Cornwell 3). Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the early history and development of Rhode Island, examine its economy, the demographic makeup of the state, the political characteristics of the Constituency and the leading industries. Early Colonization and Development of Rhode Island After early explorations by Verrazano in 1524 and by the Dutchman Adriaen Block in 1614, Roger Williams banished from the Massachusetts Bay colony established in 1636 the first settlement in Providence on land purchased from Native Americans. Further settlements were established such as Newport and Warwick in the course of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. These towns along with Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth colonies came under a parliamentary patent; hence they drew up a code of civil law and organized a government in 1647. “The liberal charter granted (1663) by Charles II of England ensured the colony’s survival” (The Columbia Encyclopedia 41148). The early settlers, mostly of English stock, included Jews and Quakers , who were drawn to the colony by the guarantee of religious freedom. However, the religious freedom formed the basis for the colony never being admitted to the New England Confederation. Besides living off the land, fishing and trade were commonly practised. With the development of the colony in the seventeenth century, there was growth of political liberty and practical democracy based on the founder Roger Williams’ espousal of religious liberty and freedom of conscience. In the eighteenth century their dedication to individualism underscored Rhode Islanders taking to business with its inherent risks. Due to the poverty of the land resources trade was practised. The Rhode Islanders were not happy serving under British policies, and became revolutionaries which resulted in the founding of a new nation. Rhode Islanders now come from various ethnic backgrounds. The new questions to be addressed relate to the rights of minorities, and the need for securing individual liberty and economic opportunity (McLoughlin, 1986). The Economy of Rhode Island The conventional manufacturing economy of Rhode Island has diversified to services, retail and wholesale trade, and finance. Despite this shift, several products such as jewellery, silverware, textiles, primary and fabricated metals, machinery and other items for which Rhode Island is well known, still continue to be manufactured. Additionally, tourism and gambling are important to the state’s economy (Warner 41). Most farmland is utilized for dairies and poultry farms, agriculture being unimportant to the economy. Commercial fishing is a declining industry, and naval facilities at Newport contribute to the state’s income (The Columbia Encyclopedia 41148). The Demographic Makeup of the State According to the Census 2010, Rhode Island had a population of 1,052,567 people showing an increase of 0.4% over one decade (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). The race and ethnic origin demographics for Rhode Island in 2010 are as follows: Whites form the largest section at 8,856,859. The next largest group of 60,189 is formed by Black or African American, the size being equal to that of ‘some other race alone’. Almost half the number form ‘two or more races’ and Asian alone. There are only 6,058 American Indians or Alaska native, and 554 people constitute the group Native Hawaaiian and other Pacific islanders (Census Statistics, 2010). Political Characteristics of the Constituency and Leading Industries “Rhode Island’s present constitution was adopted in 1842 and has been often amended” (The Columbia Encyclopedia 41148). A governor heads the state’s executive branch, who is elected for a four-year term and is eligible for re-election. Elected for two-year terms are the bicameral legislature with a senate of fifty members and a house of seventy-five. Local government functions at the city level, while Rhode Island’s counties have no political roles. The state sends two senators and two representatives to the U.S. Congress, and has four electoral votes. Though Rhode Island is mostly Democratic, various Republican governors have been elected from 1994 till the present. Rhode Island’s political and economic life was dominated by mill owners. The small mill towns with their great numbers of foreign-born residents formed important components of the social fabric. The diverse population consisted of English, Irish, and Scottish settlers besides French Canadian and Polish immigrants. According to the Columbia Encyclopedia (p.41148) “politically, Rhode Island was generally controlled by Republicans until the 1930s, when the democrats’ insistence on reappointment of representation, helped bring their party back into power”. The intermettent labor troubles during the nineteenth century did not have much impact on the state’s economy. On the other hand, after World War I, a long textile strike in Blackstone valley, along with the gradual shifting of the mills to the south where labor was cheaper, resulted in a continued decline in the cotton-textile industry. However, the textile products continue to be manufactured in Rhode Island today. “New industries such as high technology electronics have also been introduced” (The Columbia Encyclopedia 41148). Since the 1970s, the state’s economy has moved away from manufacturing and focused on the service sector, leading to suburban growth. Conclusion This paper has highlighted Rhode Island, its early colonization and development. Further, the paper has examined the Ocean State’s economy, its demographic constituents, government’s functioning, the political parties in the constituency, and the main industries in the State. unique political culture. The earlier control by Republicans has made way for a strong Democratic base. The evidence indicates that Rhode Island continues to be in transition, evolving as a diverse, self-sufficient State. Works Cited Avila, Tomas A. A decade of economic development visioning and execution. Providence: Milenio Associates. Census Statistics. Rhode Island race and ethnic origin demographics by county. U.S. Bureau of the Census. (2010). Retrieved on 3rd October, 2011 from: http://www.dlt.ri.gov/lmi/census/demo/ethnic.htm McLoughlin, William G. Rhode Island, a history. The United States of America: W.W. Norton. (1986). Moakley, Maureen & Cornwell, Elmer. Rhode Island politics and government. Lincoln, Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press. (2001). The Columbia Encyclopedia. Rhode Island, State United States. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Edition 6. New York: Columbia University Press. (2009). U.S. Census Bureau. Rhode Island city and town resident population from Census 2010. U.S. Census Bureau. (2010). Retrieved on 3rd October, 2011 from: http://www.dlt.ri.gov/lmi/census/pop/townpop.htm Warner, John F. Rhode Island. Edition 2. The United States of America: Lerner Publications. (2002). Read More