Question

Why did the colonies not utilize the English common law practice of primogeniture during the 1600s and then begin practicing it in the 1700s

Answer 1

Among the English colonies in America, the general opinion was commonly against primogeniture and entail since the practice did not seem favorable to the growing population, and was unnecesary given the great availability of land to expand to westward, allowing the future generations to take over these potential new properties.

It was later in the 18th century that culture and traditions shifted in favor of primogeniture, as it seemed rather efficient to pass the legacy of large estates into the hands of one individual that would keep its integrity intact, rather than dividing the property among several heirs.