North and South Carolina
In 1663, King Charles II established Carolina as a Restoration colony to block out French Louisiana and Spanish Florida. As time had passed, socioeconomic differences between the northern part and southern part predisposed from geographical aspects of the colony had widened the gap and thus led to the formation of two separate colonies, North Carolina and South Carolina, in 1729.
Geographical Factors
When Carolina was settled as a singular unit, it was denoted that it was already geographically split. The northern part had spoiled land, no rich soil, and few harbors while the southern part had excellent farmland, nutritious soil, and plenty of harbors. (23) These geographical differences would contribute to social disparities between the north and south and thus lead to the eventual split of the two colonies.
Religious Factors
Religious freedom was implemented in the Carolinas early on, and even though the Church of England was the official religion, many denominations were prevalent. A large Quaker influence had grown in North Carolina as families arrived to escape the restrictive environments of other colonies such as Massachusetts. (27) However, later on, Protestantism was monopolized in South Carolina in terms of government. To run for office, one had to be Protestant, thus getting rid of any separation between church and state. (28)
Socioeconomic Factors
Due to aforementioned geographical differences, the northern and southern parts of Carolina were of polar opposites in terms of socioeconomic status. The northern part consisted of provincial farmers eking out a living on small tobacco farms. The southern part was much more prosperous, as the rich soil and waterway access allowed economic success. (19) Goods could be traded at the merchant capital of Charles Town, now known as Charleston. (23) In terms of population, the Carolinas were a conglomerated mix of wealthy planters and ordinary settlers, many of whom were poor. In addition, African slaves took up labor in South Carolina as rice was introduced as a profitable crop, and due to commercial ties with the British West Indies, rich Barbadians also lived south. (19) (23)
Political Factors
The Carolinas were formed as a proprietary colony given to eight proprietors. (23) They had kept large estates for themselves and shuffled the rest through the Headright System. They also developed a representative assembly that upheld religious toleration as to attract settlers from other colonies; however, it gave more power to those with more landholdings, thus institutionalizing political inequality by economic status. (23) In 1669, the Fundamental Constitution of Carolina was drafted as to divide the colony into counties of equal size.