Life in the English Colonies
5.1 Forms of Government
Colonial Governments
• CHARTER: Power is given for a government
– Three types of Charters
– Proprietary: Individuals ran the colony and chose the leaders
– Company: The company chose the leaders
– Royal: The King chose the leaders
• PRIVY COUNCIL- They oversaw English Policy
in the colonies.
• The King granted all charters and had the
last say on policy!
Colonial Assemblies
• BICAMERAL LEGISLATURE- Two house
lawmaking body.
• Representatives are elected by the
colonists.
• TOWN MEETINGS: A gathering to decide
important issues on the local level.
Colonial Courts
• Many courts enforced
the colony’s religious
views or protected
individual freedoms.
• John Zenger: Fought
for freedom of the
press. He was found
not guilty.
The Dominion of New England
• James II is the new King of England.
• He wants more control over the colonies.
• He unites the northern colonies under one
government
• He limits town meetings
The Glorious Revolution
• James II kicked out by
William and Mary
• All charters restored to the
colonies, but the King
chose the governor
• ENGLISH BILL OF
RIGHTS: Power of the
English Monarchy is
reduced. Parliaments has
more say.
Life in the English Colonies
5.2 Notes
English Trade Laws
• MERCANTILISM: Create and maintain
wealth by controlling trade
• BALANCE OF TRADE- A balance
between imports and exports.
Imports
Exports
English Trade Laws
• NAVIGATION ACTS– It required the colonies to do
most of their trading with
England
– Trade in the colonies
becomes unbalanced.
– Heavy taxes were also
applied to imported goods.
– This leads to smuggling
English Trade Laws
• TRIANGULAR TRADE– Trade in the form of a triangle
• Example: America to Africa to West Indies to
America
The Middle
Passage
•
•
•
•
•
The journey from Africa to America
It could last as long as three months
10 million slaves cross the Atlantic Ocean
Thousands die from smallpox and suicide
Wealth forces people to close their eyes to
the inhumanity of slavery.
Life in the English Colonies
5.3 The Colonial Economy
Agriculture in the Southern Colonies
• Warm climate and long growing seasons
• CASH CROPS: Tobacco, rice, and indigo
• SLAVE CODES– Laws to control slaves
– You could not have meeting, own weapons, or
learn to read or write.
Industry and Trade in New England
• The land was not good for growing crops
• Trade, fishing, and shipbuilding supported
the economy.
The Middle Colonies
• Good growing seasons with rich land
• STAPLE CROPS: Crops that are always
needed such as wheat, barley, and oats
• Trade was also very good
Life in the English Colonies
5.4 The Great Awakening
Religion in the Colonies
• Most colonists are Protestants
– South: Anglican
– Middle: Quakers, Lutherans
– New England: Congregationalist (Puritan)
• Some Catholics in Maryland, Jewish in
cities.
The Great Awakening
• Not a single event.
• A series of REVIVALS or
gatherings where People
come together to hear
sermons and declare their
faith.
• Popular with young men
and women.
• Focused on renewing
religious enthusiasm and
commitment.
The Great Awakening
• We are all born sinners, but could be
saved by God. Rich or Poor alike.
• Communication increases among colonies
with traveling ministers.
• Equality for all was promoted and revivals
became popular places to discuss politics.
Life in the English Colonies
5.5 American Culture
Education
• There were more schools in New England
• Southern families usually lived far from
towns and required tutors or parents for
their education
• Most stopped their education after the
elementary grades.
Benjamin Franklin
• He wrote POOR
RICHARD’S
ALMANACK
• He was an inventor too.
• He made the lightning
rod, Franklin stove, and
bifocals.
• He also found positive
and negative charges in
electricity
• He even developed
daylight savings time.