Colonial America Chapters 2-4
Chapter 2: Beginnings of English America
1607 Virginia Company sponsors voyage that lands in Jamestown hope to find gold and
exploit resources
104 settlers all men
Jamestown charter gives colonists all liberties of those residing in the realm of England
Colonization spurred by national and religious rivalries, growth of merchant class
investing in overseas expansion for world trade money
Unifying the English Nation:
1485 Henry 7 unifies England after bloody civil war
Henry 8 severs nation from Catholic Church when pope won't grant him a divorce
Under Edward 6 government persecuted Catholics
Elizabeth 1 executes over 100 catholic priests
England & Ireland:
Irelands catholic population is deemed as a threat to Protestant England
Money is spent on pacifying Ireland that would have gone to overseas expansion
Irish are treated the way the Indians in NW would later be treated and viewed as
barbaric
Early English colonies known as plantations - a community planted abroad among an
alien population
England and North America:
Crown grants charters (exclusive rights) to Sir Humphrey Gilbert and Sir Walter Raleigh
to establish NA colonies at their own expense
Both failed with little help from the crown. Their failures show colonization would
require more planning and money then anyone individual could provide
Spreading Protestantism:
Reformation high tens sense that Catholic Spain is mortal enemy of Protestant England
1588 Spanish Armada fails to invade England leaving England as the masters of the sea
Want to liberate NW from the tyranny of the pope
La Casas writing is translated in English "popery truly displayed"
Motives for colonization:
Liberate Indians
National glory and power
Open new markets for English products
Supply England with goods only available in NW
The Social Crisis:
America would be refuge for England's surplus population
Economy cannot keep up w growing population 3 mil in 1550 to 4 mil in 1600
New farming practices like crop rotation and need for sheep for wool market lead to
many peasants being evicted from their land by tenants
Flood into England's cities causing wages to fall dramatically while prices rise because of
influx of gold from Latin American mines
Half of population lived at or below poverty line
Those without jobs could be whipped, hanged, enlisted in army
Encouraged to head to new world
Masterless Men:
1516 Thomas Moore publishes Utopia which depicts the new world as a place were the
poor could escape the inequality of England
In England working for wages had been thought of as a loss of liberty and servitude
Only one who controlled his own labor could be truly thought of as free
John Smith writes 1607 that in America "Everyman may be the master and owner of his
own land and labor"
Chance of owning land and passing it along to ones children was the greatest
motivation for English people moving to the NW
English Emigrants:
North America at the time was unstable and dangerous place
Disease and indian attacks
Sustained e gnomic and military help was needed from mother country along with
sustained emigration which England could provide due to population and awful
economic situation
Between 1607 and 1700 over half a million people left England
Most settled in Ireland and West Indies
Indentured Servants:
Nearly 2/3 of settlers come as indentured servants
Surrender freedom for a certain amount of time 5 to 7 years in order for passage to
America
They were treated as slaves bought sold, only marry if owner permits it, punished
physically
Females had their time of servitude lengthen if they got pregnant
High death rates and meager "freedom dues" made indentured servitude no guarantee
to economic autonomy
Land and Liberty:
English settlers view land as basis of liberty
Control over one's own labor and in many colonies land was need to have the right to
vote
Each colony was launched by crown granting a huge piece of land to a company or an
individual
Without labor land is useless and since English settlers wanted to work their own land
many property owners turn to slaves as work force
Englishmen and Indians:
Land was already occupied by Indians
Unlike Spain and France the English don't want to conquer or partner with native
population their main goal is to displace them and take their land
No interest in intermarriage or organizing Indian labor or making indians subjects of the
crown
Land acquired by purchase usually forced on Indians after a military defeat
The Transformation of Indian Life:
Initially Indians welcome newcomers and appreciate the goods they brought with them
Metal goods change their hunting farming and cooking practices
Hunting beaver now becomes an economic pursuit
Alcohol abuse becomes disruptive
Learn to bargain and trade with Europeans
Interaction with newcomers causes wars amongst tribes
Disease decimates Indian population
Changes in the Land:
Fenced in land, new crops, and livestock change the land and hurt Indian way of life
Forests depleted for wood hurt Indian hunting
Fur trade depletes the animal life which Indians we reliant
Jamestown:
Early years not good high death rate many changes in leadership
Company was looking for quick profit so they prospect for gold rather then farm
Disease spreads and starvation by end of first year half of 104 settlers dead
Starving time: after 400 new settlers arrive they hit a tough winter which bring the
number of survivors down to 65
First decade 80 percent die
John Smith military discipline, forced labor, "he who will not work shall not eat"
Must shift to a society to survive
Headright system - reward 50 acres of land for any Settler who paid for their own
passage or another's passage
Large estates for this that could afford to bring themselves and servants
House of Burgesses Americas first elected assembly Setting an important precedent
Only landowners vote and company appointed governor could nullify any law made by
the body
Virginia becomes economically and politically dominated by slave owning planters
Powhatan and Pocahontas:
When English land Jamestown inhabited 20k Indians living in small agricultural villages
Powhatten leader of a group of tribes who realizes advantages of trade w English
Settlers rely on Indians for food
John Smith captured and threatened with execution till Powhatan daughter Pocahontas
saves him and become intermediary between Indians and Settlers
When John smith leaves for England in 1609 hostilities begin between groups
Pocahontas is captured she converts to Christianity and marries John Rolfe which puts
end to disputes In 1614
Peace ends in 1622 Powhatan brother and successor Opechancanough leads surprise
attack that wipes out 1/4 of Virginia settler population
900 remaining survivors form militias and Virginia policy becomes the expulsion of the
Indians
Virginia Company seizes it's charter 1624 and Virginia becomes first royal colony with
governor now appointed by crown BUT for years London is preoccupied with events in
Europe and pays little attention to Virginia which becomes dominated by local elite of
tobacco farmers
1644 Indians last ditch effort is defeated and they are forced to sign a treaty that
acknowledges their subordination to the Jamestown government and forces them off
land and into Indian reservations to the west
A tobacco colony:
King James says tobacco is "harmful to the brain and dangerous to the lungs" but still
Europeans enjoy it and think it had medicinal use
Tobacco = Virginia substitute for gold
Crown profits from custom duties
Elite take advantage of headlight system to gain large estates. Tobacco planters become
the political and social elite of Virginia
Plantations = need for labor which was mostly indentured servants during 17th century
3/4 of immigrants to Virginia during 17th century were servants
Planter elite at top, small farmers in middle, landless laborers at bottom of society
Women and the Family:
During 7th century men outnumber women in Chesapeake 5/1
Large number of single men, widows, and orphans due to servitude and high death rate
Women have rights to 1/3 of husband's property but when widow women passed
property went to the male heirs of husband
Widows take advantage of legal identity to make contracts and conduct business
Many women came as indentured servants and face harsh work, sexual abuse, and early
death
Maryland Experiment:
Tobacco dominates economy and planters dominate society
Cecilius Calvert is given individual grant of land and government power
Full control over trade and right to innate all legislation with an elected assembly only
able to approve or disapprove
Charter guarantees full privileges and liberties of Englishman to the colonists Which
Calvert does not believe in ... Recipe for conflict
Calvert is a catholic and views Maryland as a refuge for the sons of English catholic
gentry who had few opportunities in England
Protestants always made up majority
Death rate very high ... 70% die before reaching the age of 50 While half children born
don't reach adulthood
Planters take best land and prospects for landless men diminish
New England:
Rise of Puritanism
Very different society the planter aristocracy formed in Virginia and Maryland
Puritans believe Church of England is too close to the catholic church
They believed only local congregations could choose clergy and modes of worship
Puritans called "congregationalist"
Urge believers to read the bible and listen to sermons by educated ministers
Sermon = central part of Puritan practice
Follow beliefs of theologian John Calvin
Calvin taught that world was divided between the elect and the damned
Elect predestined by god and nothing one did on earth could change ones fate
Leading a good life and prospering economically were signs of gods grace while
idleness and immoral behavior were signs of damnation
Separatists abandon church of England completely to for own churches
In 1620s and 1630s Charles 1 begins to dismiss puritan ministers and censor their
writing many puritans begin to emigrate
Puritans blame many of England's problems on wandering poor who were deemed lazy
and ungodly
They believe they will create a new godly society a "city upon a hill" whose influence
would flow across the Atlantic and save England from godlessness and social decay
Wish to govern themselves and practice religion in way they sought fit
Freedom = self government and self denial
John Winthrop - "natural liberty" is acting without restraint to do evil while "moral
liberty" is to that which is only good
Winthrop says true freedom. Is "subjection to authority"
The Elect or chosen had right to establish churches and govern society And no one had
right to challenge their authority
Pilgrims of Plymouth:
1620 Group of separatists
Voyage of the Mayflower was financed by investors looking to set up overseas trade was
meant to land in Virginia but lands on Cape Cod
Mayflower Compact - males on board agree to obey just and equal laws enacted by a
representative government of their choosing ... First written frame of government in
what is now the US
Pilgrims arrive in area where Indian natives had recently been decimated by smallpox
Half settlers die before the first winter those who do survive only do so with the help of
local Indians who taught them were to fish and how to plant corn
Great Migration:
1629 Massachusetts Bay Company founded by investors hoping to further Puritan cause
and establish trade with Indians
21,000 immigrate between 1629 and 1642 and establish a basis for a stable and thriving
society
Unlike Virginia and Maryland most settlers arrive in Massachusetts as families
Come to escape religious persecution, anxiety about future if England, and prospect of
economic betterment
Because of equal number of men and women and less harsh climate the population
grows more rapidly then in Virginia
The Puritan Family:
Believe in male authority in household along with severe limitations to a women's legal
rights
Fathers authority over his family is essential in a farming society that lacks a large
number of slave or indentured servants
Women were considered spiritual equals to men and could be full members of church
though clergy were all men
Marriage was based on reciprocal affection and companionship and divorce was legal
Moderate " correction" discipline of wives was considered appropriate for women who
disobeyed husbands will
Winthrop said that women achieved freedom by fulfilling prescribed social role and
embracing subjection to husbands authority
Family central to society and unmarried adults were viewed as a danger to social fabric
Typical New England Women married at 22 and gave birth 7 times
Healthy environment meant more children survived infancy and women time was spent
bearing and rearing children
Government and Society in Mass:
Puritans fear excessive individualism and lack of social unity
Unlike dispersed plantation society of Virginia ... New England is based on self
governing towns
Settlers received a land grant from the company and then subdivided it with house lots
in central area and outskirts for farming
Each town has own congregational church
According to 1647 law each was required to establish a school since reading bible was
central to Puritan way of life
Harvard established in 1636 to train ministry and first English American printing press in
Cambridge in 1638
Government is run by shareholders of Mass Bay company who emigrated to NE they
then create a body of elected landowning church members into a single ruling body
known as the General Court which is divided into two legislative bodies
Freemen (landowning church members) elected the governors of Massachusetts unlike
in Virginia whose were chosen by crown
Principle of consent of governed is important to puritans
No important church decision with out agreement of adult male members
Towns governed themselves and officials were locally elected
But puritans were far from an equal society
Anyone could worship at a church (meeting house) but to be a full member one had to
be a "visible saint" who could prove a conversion moment
Voting in colony wide elections was limited to full members of the church
What was at first a broad electorate gets smaller and more elite over time
Puritan Liberties:
Prominent families given best land and most desirable seats in church
Winthrop "some must be rich and some poor" part of gods plan
1641 "Body of Liberties" which outlined rights and responsibilities of Mass colonists
adopts understanding that ones liberties are derived from one place in the social order
Inequality = sign of gods will
Body of Liberties allows for slavery who arrive in Mass Bay in 1640
Ministers could not hold office but at same time ministers were the ones who decided
who were visible saints and only visible saints could vote in all elections so still have
strong power
Law required each town to establish a church and levy tax to pay minister
Freedom of speech but death for witchcraft blasphemy or worshipping any god that was
not " the true lord"
New Englanders Divided:
Residents carefully monitor one another and expel those who live outside social norms
Banishment for criticizing church or government
Tolerance of difference was not high on list of Puritan values
Roger Williams insists congregations withdraw from Church of England and that church
and state be separated
Williams believed citizens should be allowed to practice any religion they choose And
believes genuine religious faith is voluntary
Williams is banished from Mass in 1636 he and followers move south and establish
Rhode Island "rouge island"
RI becomes beacon of religious freedom
No established church, no qualifications for voting until 18th century, no laws requiring
citizens attend church
More democratic the rest of NE with Assembly elected twice a year, governors annually
and town meetings held more frequently
Religious dissenter Thomas Hooker establishes settlement at Hartford with Fundamental
Orders based on Mass laws with exception that men did not have to be church
members to vote
New Haven was quite different as it's settlers wanted closer connection between church
and state
Trials of Anne Hutchinson:
Began having religious meetings and discussions in her house in 1634 some who
attended were prominent members of society
She preached that the ministers of Mass were giving people visible saint status not
based on inner state of grace but on church attendance and moral behavior
Mass church and state intertwined and wanted to silence any voices that questioned
them
Denounce Hutchinson for Antinomianism (putting ones own opinions above human law
and teachings of the church)
Put on trial for sedition (expressing opinions dangerous to authority) seals her own fate
when she says god talked to her directly
Banished fromMass her and her followers moved to NY where they died in Indian wars
Puritans and Indians:
Colonists quickly outnumber natives
Roger Williams looks to befriend Indians says crown has no right to take their land and
that settlements should not begin until land was purchased
NE leaders believe Indians represent savagery and temptation
They represent what Winthrop described as "natural freedom" not "moral freedom"
believe Indian society might prove attractive to lazy colonists lacking moral fiber
1642 CT General Court set 3 year hard labor penalty for any colonist who abandons
godly society to live w Indians
Publish captivity narratives
Puritans see Indians as obstacle to be pushed aside not as potential converts
Pequot Wars:
Indians in NE lack leader like Powhatan seek to make alliances with newcomers
As population expands and new towns spread out conflict becomes unavoidable
Fur trader killed by Pequot in 1637
Mass an CT troop surround Pequot village in Mystic and kill all 500 men women and
children
By end of war Pequot exterminated or sold into Caribbean slavery
Opens CT river valley to rapid white settlement and convinces other Indian groups not
to resist the newcomers
Most Puritans view as proof of gods will that they are on religious mission
The New England Economy:
Weavers tailors farmers
Most came from middle ranks of society and paid for family passage
Success is viewed as a sign of divine grace
Fishing and timber exports are main exports
Economy centered around family farms supplying for own use and small marketable
surplus
Few slaves and indentured servants in 17th century
Households rely on labor of their own families women and children in fields
Need for land becomes primary reason for NE expansion
The Merchant Elite:
Hard work and commercial success is considered a central Puritan value
Social inequality
NE growing role in British empire based on trade
NE ships and markets staples of other colonies to Europe and Africa as early as 1640
Profitable trade w West Indies supplying plantations w fish timber and produce
Merchant class arises and challenges Puritan idea of economics for common good
Fight for right to conduct business as they please with no limits on prices and wages
By 1640 Mass repeals many of economic regulations
The Half Way Covenant:
Puritan leaders begin to worry about commercialization and declining piety of Mass
society
By 1650 less then half population of Boston admitted to full membership in church
How to deal with 3rd generation who were less religious and not full members what
would happen to their children
Half Way makes ancestry not religious conversion the pathway to inclusion among the
elect
Church membership remains stagnant
Crop failures and disease were said to be gods disapproval of the lack of religious rigor
Religion, Politics, & Freedom:
Rights of Englishmen
Magna Carta of 1215 - agreement between King John and group of barons it listed a
series of liberties granted to all free men "in the realm"
Magna Carta protects against seizure of property and arbitrary punishment without due
process of law
Later habeas corpus, right to face accuser, and trial by jury are added
At the time of it's writing it mainly benefited the barons because so many in England
were living as serfs. But over time it applies to more and more people as serfdom comes
to an end
Those living in the colonies were living in the realm of the empire and therefore it
applied to them
The English Civil War:
1640s
Battle for power between parliament and Stuart monarchs James 1 and Charles 1
Leads to expansion of the concept of English freedom
House of Commons accuses Stuart kings of imposing taxes with out parliaments
consent , imprisoning political foes and leading country back to Catholicism
Parliament is victorious in the Civil War and Charles 1 is beheaded and the monarchy is
abolished
England was now a Commonwealth and Free State which would be ruled by the will of
the people
Oliver Cromwell rules for a decade as head of Parliament until Charles 2 restores the
crown in 1660
Between 1640 and 1660 idea of freedom takes on new importance
Calls for freedom of speech and press
Calls for more religious tolerance and end for state support for Anglican Church
Levellers (first democratic political movement) calls for a written constitution
"Agreement of the People"
Document call for abolishment of the house of lords and the monarch and an expansion
of the right to vote
This is revolutionary at the time When democracy was thought of as anarchy
Diggers call for common ownership of land
These movements are crushed in England and driven underground by their beliefs
about freedom were brought with English emigrants to America
Most New Englanders support Parliament during the Civil War, it is revolutionary
Parliament that grants Roger Williams charter of Rhode Island in 1644
Quakers are a new religious sect that springs up during the civil war, they believe in the
inner spirit of Christ and not learning from bible or clergy teachings
When Quakers arrive in Mass they are greatly persecuted some are hung
Charles 2 orders Mass to recognize liberty of conscience of all Protestants
Unlike New England Virginia sides with Charles 1 during the civil war
1640s Maryland has its own civil war between Catholics and Protestants and teeters on
the edge of anarchy
To stabilize the colony Calvert appoints a Protestant Governor and offers refuge to
protestants who were being prosecuted in Virginia which was run by Anglicans and
allowed no other religions to be practiced
1649 Maryland passes Act Concerning Religion that gives Christians free exercise of
religion but still does not allow religions that deny the divinity of Christ or the Holy
trinity
Jews still cannot openly practice religion But document is huge milestone in history of
religious freedom in the colonies
Chapter 3 Creating Anglo - America
King Philips War - 1675 alliance of Indians lead by Metacom (who colonists called King
Philip) attack New Englanders who are encroaching upon Indian land
Attack almost half of New England towns push refuge colonists to Atlantic coast
1000 settlers die and 2000 Indians
Revolt is out down brutally and forever changes New England view of Indians as blood
thirsty savages
King Philips war broadens white new England access to land
Iroquois Indians enter into alliance with government of New York and strengthen their
bond during war
The Mercantilist System:
New World becomes battle ground as European powers try to expand wealth and glory
England begins to exert greater control over it's empires Atlantic trade
Mercantilist theory stated that colonies were there to make the mother country wealthy
and powerful
Exports should exceed imports so that more money is coming into the country then
going out
The role of the colonies it to support the mother country with raw materials and to
purchase manufactured goods that were made in England
Under Oliver Cromwell revolutionary Parliament pass the first Navigation Act Which
confines colonial trade to English ships and English ports....this is done to hurt Dutch
trade
"enumerated goods" the most valuable colonial products tobacco and sugar had to be
transported in English ships and then sold in English ports only then could they be sold
to foreign markets
Also goods shipped to the English colonies had to be shipped through English ports
were customs duties were paid
England merchants manufacturers and shipbuilders now profit from colonial trade and
the government makes money off of taxes
Shipbuilding business booms in New England since ships built there were now
considered English
The Conquest of New Netherlands:
Charles 2 assumes throne in 1660 and sparks a new period of colonial expansion
Govt charters new trading ventures (Royal African Company w monopoly over slave
trade)
Within generation English colonies in North America double
First to be taken is New Netherlands after Anglo Dutch War in 1664
King gives to his brother James the duke of York (New York)
Transforms NY area into a major English seaport to trade with Europe and Africa and an
important military base to launch attacks against French colonies
Population jumps from 9k in 1664 to 20k in 1685
New York and the Rights of Englishmen and Englishwomen:
Terms of surrender guarantee that England will respect the religious toleration and
property holdings of the diverse ethnic community established in NY
English law strips individual legal status that Dutch law had given married women
Female traders disappear and wills are now made out to advance fortunes of the sons of
a family
Freed blacks who had been born in New Netherlands had the right to work trade jobs
but English expel free blacks from skilled jobs
Duke of York continues English practice of giving huge land grants to favorites
Landed Elite - 5 families control nearly 2 million acres by 1770 they intermarried and
exerted huge political influence
New York and the Indians:
1670s Governor of NY Sir Edmond Andros makes pact with Iroquois Confederacy
Iroquois help rid lands of rival tribes and to attack French colonists and their Indian allies
In 1680s Indians around Great Lakes and Ohio Valley team with French to push back the
Iroquois
By end of century Iroquois adopt policy of careful neutrality and try to play rival
European powers off one another While continuing to profit from fur trade
The Charter of Liberties:
NY colonists begin to complain they are being denied the rights of Englishmen
Mainly taxation with out representation
Under Dutch their was no elected legislative assembly and duke of york had not created
one
1683 York calls an assembly who drafts Charter of Liberties and Privileges which calls for
elections every 3 years in which free land owning males would vote
Trial by jury, security of property, and religious toleration for Protestants
The Founding of Carolina:
After settlement of Maryland in 1634 no new English settlement was planted in America
Until 1663 Charles 2 gives charter to establish colony north of Florida to act as buffer
against Spain
1670 Carolina is founded
Carolina closely linked to Barbados which at time was a big wealthy plantation colony
Lack of land in Barbados forces wealthily planters to seek land for their sons in the
America
Carolinians employ Indians to attack Spanish outposts and sell other Indians into slavery
in the West Indies
From 1670 to 1720 number of Indian slaves shipped from Charleston is more then
number of African slaves imported in
Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina (1669) sets up feudal society with a hereditary
nobility, serfs, and slaves
In order to attract settlers also provides elected assembly and religious toleration
Headlight system of 150 acres for each member of family ( & indentured servants)
Harsh Slave Codes give owners "absolute power and authority"
Carolina grows slowly until planters discovered rice which turns Carolina into wealthy
colony and epicenter of mainland slavery and plantations
Pennsylvania the Holy Experiment:
Last English colony established in 17th century
William Penn envisioned a haven for those who face religious persecution in Europe and
a place were colonists and Indians could peacefully coexist
Penn was a devote Quaker
Quaker principles - equality of all person (women, blacks, Indians)
Liberty is a universal entitlement not the right of certain individuals
Penn purchases Indian land before reselling to settlers and offers Indian refuge if they
had been driven out of other colonies
Quakers were pacifist who were unarmed and didn't form a militia till 1740s This made
peace with Native population essential
Charter of Liberty (1682) offers "Christian liberty" to all who affirm a belief in god and
dot use freedom to promote sexually immoral things
No established church in Penn and attendance was voluntary, Jews barred from holding
office
Quakers have strict code of personal morality - prohibit swearing, drunkeness, and
adultery
Private religious belief not enforced but moral public behavior was enforced by
government
Land in Pennsylvania:
Legislative assembly elected by male taxpayers and freemen who owned 100 acres of
land
Penn owned all land and sold it to settlers at low price
Penn master advertiser who is able to attract settlers and immigrants from all over
Western Europe
Immigrants help to deteriorate Penn vision for coexistence with Indians
Indentured servants now choose Penn over Virginia and Maryland which forces them
towards reliance on African slaves
Origins of American Slavery:
Spread of tobacco cultivation leads to need for workers
Slaves offer planters advantages over indentured servants
Africans Could not claim rights of Englishmen
Term of service never ends therefore no unruly landless men
Children would be slaves and skin color made it harder to escape
Less likely to die of disease epidemics then Indians
Englishmen view Irish, native Americans and Africans as savage animals
Indians were difficult to enslave on their native soil with their knowledge of the territory
Plantation slavery of north America unlike slavery that had existed before
Large number of slaves under control of single owner
Because of fears of revolt owners policed the system rigidly
Slavery in America becomes based on race so unlike slaves in Africa who were freed
slaves in the United States always carried with them their skin color as a sign that they
were unworthy as equals in a free society
Slavery in the West Indies:
West Indian islands become a testing ground for plantation slavery
Sugar first crop mass marketed to Europe before that international trade based on
precious metals and luxury goods like silk and spices for an elite market
Sugar most important product of British, French and Spanish empires
Slavery and the Law:
Laws were not always as harsh as they would eventually become in Virginia and
Maryland and allowed blacks a possibility of acquiring their freedom
Not until 1660 did laws in Virginia and Maryland refer specifically to slavery
1662 Virginia law says that if a child is born to a free and slave couple that child sat us
follows that of the mother making sexual abuse of slaves profitable for the owner
1667 House of Burgesses says that conversion to Christianity did not make a slave free
so Christians could own other Christians
All offspring of interracial relationships were illegitimate
Prohibits freeing of any slave unless they are taken out of the colony
By 1680 idea of racial distinction was ingrained in English American law unlike Spanish
colonies interracial families were not recognized by the law
Bacon's Rebellion:
As tobacco plantations spread in Virginia the wealthy elite of planters were given the
best land making it increasing difficult for freed servants to get land
Freed servants only options becoming working as a tenant farmer or moving into the
frontier
Taxes on Tobacco and falling prices due to overproduction make it harder for smaller
farmers to compete
1670 Virginia poverty is reaching English levels and the right to vote is restricted to only
land owners
Governor had good relations with the Indians and would not let land hungry white settle
on their land
Social tensions bubble and in 1676 boil over
Landless whites demand the extermination or removal of the colonies Indians in order
to create more land for whites
Governor Berkley refuses fearing all out war and still wanting to profit from deerskin
trade With Indians
Landless whites begin massacring Indians and it turns into a full fledged rebellion
against Berkley's government
National Bacon the leader was a wealthy ambitious planter whose call for removal of
Indians, lowering of taxes, and end to government run by the elite attracted many small
farmers and former indentured servants
His army consisted of men who had recently been servants
Spoke of poor being robbed and cheated by social superiors
Marches in Jamestown in 1676 and burns it to the ground governor flees and bacon
becomes the ruler of Virginia
England sends a warships that restore order and hang 23 of bacons supporters bacon
grew I'll and died shortly after Berkley departure
This episode greatly threatens Virginia ruling elite who fear a civil war between whites
Ease taxes and open up Indian land to small farmers
Indentured servants freedom dues would now include 50 acres of land
Accelerates the shift away from indentured servants and towards African slaves Who
would never become free
A Slave Society:
Between 1680 and 1700
Bacons rebellion on of many factors
As death rate falls it becomes more economical to by a slave for life
Opening of Penn and improving conditions in England made for less immigrants coming
to Chesapeake
End of the monopoly on slave trade that had been given to Royal African Company
allows more companies in slave trade and brings down the price of african slaves
By 1700 blacks made up 10% of Virginia population
By 1750 blacks make up 50% of Virginia population
1705 House of Burgesses strengthens the slave code and white supremacy
Slaves property of white masters and subject to will of masters and white community
Could be bought sold and passed on to descendants
Blacks and whites tried in separate courts
No black could own arms strike a white man or employ a white servant
Any white could apprehend a black and demand a certificate of freedom or a pass from
owner giving permission to be off the plantation
Virginia had changed from a "society with slaves" to a "slave society" With slavery a
center of the economic process
Notions of Freedom:
Slaves runaway and Chesapeake newspapers filled with advertisements for runaways
Some who were offsprings of Europeans in the Caribbean and spoke English and new
English customs turned to the colonial court system to try and gain their freedom
Desire for freedom made white planters tighten the chains of slavery and fear slave
revolts
Colonies in Crisis:
During the 1670 many uprisings in the colonies
King Phillips War and Bacons Rebellion
Maryland uprising when governor changes voting requirements to men w 50 acres
Numerous Indian revolts as blacks continue to encroach on Indian land
The Glorious Revolution in England:
In 1688 supremacy of Parliament is established once and for all as is Protestant
succession to the Throne
Parliament controls national policy, control of finance, influence in foreign affairs, and
excludes from power Catholics and dissenters (Protestants who were not part of
Anglican church)
When Charles 2 dies he is followed by his brother James 2 a practicing catholic who
decrees religious toleration of Protestant dissenters and Catholics
When James 2 has a son it is feared that it would set up catholic succession to the crown
alarming people who feared the popery As tyrannical
A dutch nobleman William who is a Protestant who married James 2 Protestant
daughter Mary arrived in England with a small army and quickly wins support of landed
elite and leaders of the Anglican church
James 2 fled England and the revolution was complete in 1688
Overthrow of James 2 entrenches the notion that liberty is a birthright and that the king
is subject to rule of law
Parliament passes 1689 Bill of Rights giving them powers over taxation and giving
individuals power of trial by jury
1690 Act of Toleration allows dissenting Protestant (but not Catholics) to practice openly
but only Anglicans can hold public office
The Glorious Revolution in America:
Until the mid 1670s English American colonies had essentially governed themselves
In 1675 England establishes the Lords of Trade to oversee colonial affairs
In 1678 the Lords question Mass government about it's compliance with the Navigation
Acts
Mass replies that sense it does not have representation in Parliament then the act does
not apply to them unless it is approved by Mass General Court
In 1680s England moves to reduce colonial autonomy before his death in 1865 Charles 2
revokes Mass chart for violation of the Navigation Act
James 2 combines MA CT RI NH NY NJ into single super colony known as the Dominion
Of New England ruled by NY Gov Sir Edmund Andros who did not have to answer to
elected assembly
Andros alienates almost everyone in Mass appointing his own officials over elected
ones, imposes taxes with out approval of elected representatives, declares earlier land
grants void unless approved by him and enforces religious toleration for all Protestants
He is a seen as a deep threat to the Puritan order
In 1689 news of overthrow of James 2 triggers uprising all over the colonies
In Mass Andros is arrested and jailed by Boston Militia and the colonies reestablish the
colonies that were abolished by the creation of the Dominion of New England
Rebellions in NY and Maryland also seized power all claiming to be fighting for their
English Liberties
Changes in New England:
After disposing of Andros New England lobbied London for the renewal of their charters
most were successful but not Mass
1691 Mass is given new charter that transforms political structure if the "bible
commonwealth"
Town governments remained intact, but now property qualifications not church
membership would be requirement to vote in elections
The governor would now be appointed in London and no longer elected making Mass a
Royal Colony
Mass also had to abide by English Toleration Act of 1690 and allow all Protestants to
worship openly
These changes Beirut non puritans and large land owners who would come to dominate
the new government
These events create tension in Mass who had already been suffering from French and
Indian raids from North
The Prosecution of Witches:
Puritans believe in supernatural interventions such as lightening striking one house but
sparing another or epidemics that kill off Indians
They see these things a expressions of Gods Will
Also believe that evil forces could effect daily life and blamed witchcraft for things such
a stillborn children and crop failures
Witchcraft was punishable by execution in both Europe and the colonies
Between 1400 and 1800 50k people were executed in Europe for witchcraft
Witches hung in New England were often women beyond child bearing age who were
outspoken economically independent estranged from their husbands or in violation of
traditional societal norms
The Salem Witch Trials:
Until 1962 prosecution had been local and sporadic but in the high tensions of that year
Salem makes name for itself for fanaticism and persecution
Girls were complaining of having nightmares and elders thought it was due to witchcraft
A witch was named and the only way to avoid prosecution was to name others so
accusations of witchcraft begin to snowball
Hundreds of Salem resident came forward to accuse their neighbors
Legal action taken against 150 people many of them women
Many confessed to save their lives but 14 women and 5 were hanged
Events of Salem discredit the tradition of prosecuting witches and accelerate prominent
colonists to look for scientific reasons for natural events rather then blaming things on
magic
After Salem only two witches were brought to trial in Mass and they were both found
not guilty
The Growth of Colonial America:
A Diverse Population:
In 1700 close to 90 % of those living in the colonies were of English origin
In 18th century this changes as African an non English arrivals sky rocket and English
arrivals decline
England stops officially promoting emigration as the economy improves and the
number of vagabonds decreases
Attracting Settlers:
50k convicts sent from London to work in tobacco fields of the Chesapeake
Encourage Protestants to migrate with promise of land and freedom of worship
Offer British citizenship to other Europeans after 7 years of residence
Germans form largest group of European newcomers
Germans come for religious freedom as Germany at the time was carved up into small
provinces with different rulers who each determined what the official religion was and
persecuted others
Germans came because of agriculture crisis and lack of land
Germans travel as families and work off their debt in America
Most live on the frontier in tightly knit ethnic communities in which German remains the
dominant language
Religious Diversity:
Most ethnic groups tended to live and worship in homogeneous communities
Nearly every colony had a tax to pay for church and minister
Most barred Catholics and Jews from voting and holding office
Protestant denominations gained toleration
Social Classes in the Colonies:
Elite dominate society politics and economy
Gap between rich and poor grows more rapidly during 18th century then any other in
American History
New England and Middle Colonies see emergence of upper class of Merchants often
linked to great trading from in London
No banks in colonial America credit and money in short supply so relationships and
connections were important
Colonies of Chesapeake and Lower South dominated by slave plantations producing
staple crops tobacco and rice for world consumption
No titled aristocracy as in Britain
In 1750s seven generation of the Lee family sat in the House of Burgesses (Virginia
Legislature)
By 1770 all upper class Virginians had inherited their wealth
American colonies have more trade and communication with Britain then with
themselves
Anglicization: elites develop common lifestyle and interests and begin to think of
themselves as more and more British
Model their lives on British etiquette and behavior
Show status by importing latest British fashion and literature, send kids to school in
London, fashion their homes in style of British estates with larges entertaining rooms in
which to show off their imported luxuries
Many planters fall into debt trying to keep up with this extravagant lifestyle
Richest planters were South Carolina Charleston is richest city in British North America
Richest 10% in South Carolina owned half the colonies wealth while the poorest less 2%
Liberty to them meant the right for those wealth and prominence to rule and dominate
over others
One's status revealed in dress, manors, and splendor of home
Freedom from work is mark of a gentleman work is for common folk and slaves
Poverty in the Colonies:
Growth in population leads to a lack of land
Either try there hands a trade or become tenants or wage labors in the Middle Colonies
In cities number of propertyless wage earners steadily increases in 18th century
By 1750 half the wealth of the colonies was controlled by richest 10%
As in England poor are viewed as lazy, shiftless, and responsible for their own plight
Cities and colonies take care of their own but to minimize burden on taxpayers poor
persons sent to labor in workhouses, children sent to work as apprentices in local homes
or workshops
The Middle Ranks:
Large majority of colonists live between the extremes of wealth and poverty
Wide distribution of land and economic autonomy of most ordinary free families
2/3 of free population were farmers who owned their own land
Land equals social precondition to freedom
Understanding freedom as not relying on others for livelihood had deep roots in British
North America
Women and the Household Economy:
Family is center of economic life
All members of the family contribute to livelihood on small farms
"he that hath an industrious family shall soon be rich" colonial saying
Hugh birth rate reflects the need for many hands on the family small farm
Concentrate on growing enough food for consumption and acquiring land to hand
down to sons
Consumer revolution and increasing Atlantic trade draws many farmers into production
for market
Women expected to devote lives to good wives and mothers
Primogeniture - estates are pass intact to eldest son
Women's work clearly defined as cooking, cleaning, sewing, making butter, assisting
with agricultural chores
"women's work is never done"
Child care and domestic chores
Triangular Trades:
In 18th century Caribbean remained commercial focus of British empire
Triangle trade - British manufactured goods are shipped to Africa and Colonies, Colonial
products tobacco rice and sugar brought to Europe, African slaves brought to Colonies
NY, Mass, RI merchants profit greatly from the shipping of slaves
Atlantic commerce consisted primarily of slaves, crops produced by slaves, or goods
going to slave societies
1762 abolitionist John Woolman writes "the idea of slavery being connected with the
black color, and liberty with the white"
Africa and Slave Trade:
African rulers helped the slave trade immensely and made great profits by playing the
European nations off one another
Few Europeans went inland from the coast instead slaves were brought to them by
African rulers and dealers
Guns brought by Europeans only helped to further the slave trade because in order to
get guns you needed to produce slaves
The yearly loss of tens of thousands of young men and women in their prime greatly
hurt the society and economies of West Africa
The Middle Passage:
Called Middle passage because it is second leg of the Triangular pattern
Men, women, and children crammed tightly together to maximize profits
Chained to decks by necks and legs
Disease spread rapidly one in five die before reaching colonies
Only 5% headed for Colonies most were going to Brazil and West Indies
By 1770 1/5 of the 2.3 million people living in colonies were Africans or their
descendants
Chesapeake Slavery:
Virginia and Maryland most closely linked colonies to Britain on the eve of the
revolution
Supplied valuable raw material, imported large amounts of British goods, closely linked
culturally and politically
As demand for tobacco increases so does demand for slaves
As tobacco farming spread west so did slavery
Nearly half of Virginias families owned at least one slave in 1770
Tobacco planters, tobacco merchants, lawyers who defend their interests become
dominating forces of Chesapeake society and politics
Best land taken by plantation owners making less economic opportunities for whites
Bottom rung of Chesapeake society - convicts, indentured servants, tenant farmers (1/2
white households in 1770)
Planters make laws that give them more power and restrict any chances for freedom of
slaves
Free blacks viewed as dangerous and undesirable, unable to own guns, hire white
servants, have to pay special taxes
1723 Virginia revokes voting rights for land owning blacks
Free blacks make up less the 4% of Virginia society in 1750
Indian Slavery in Early Carolina
Chapter 4 Slavery and the Empire:
Slave trade a regulated business of European merchants, African traders, American
planters
Rising demand for sugar, tobacco, rice, coffee leads to the rapid growth of the Atlantic
Slave Trade
Triangular Trades:
In 18th century Caribbean remained commercial focus of British empire
Triangle trade - British manufactured goods are shipped to Africa and Colonies, Colonial
products tobacco rice and sugar brought to Europe, African slaves brought to Colonies
NY, Mass, RI merchants profit greatly from the shipping of slaves
Atlantic commerce consisted primarily of slaves, crops produced by slaves, or goods
going to slave societies
1762 abolitionist John Woolman writes "the idea of slavery being connected with the
black color, and liberty with the white"
Africa and Slave Trade:
African rulers helped the slave trade immensely and made great profits by playing the
European nations off one another
Few Europeans went inland from the coast instead slaves were brought to them by
African rulers and dealers
Guns brought by Europeans only helped to further the slave trade because in order to
get guns you needed to produce slaves
The yearly loss of tens of thousands of young men and women in their prime greatly
hurt the society and economies of West Africa
The Middle Passage:
Called Middle passage because it is second leg of the Triangular pattern
Men, women, and children crammed tightly together to maximize profits
Chained to decks by necks and legs
Disease spread rapidly one in five die before reaching colonies
Only 5% headed for Colonies most were going to Brazil and West Indies
By 1770 1/5 of the 2.3 million people living in colonies were Africans or their
descendants
Chesapeake Slavery:
Virginia and Maryland most closely linked colonies to Britain on the eve of the
revolution
Supplied valuable raw material, imported large amounts of British goods, closely linked
culturally and politically
As demand for tobacco increases so does demand for slaves
As tobacco farming spread west so did slavery
Nearly half of Virginias families owned at least one slave in 1770
Tobacco planters, tobacco merchants, lawyers who defend their interests become
dominating forces of Chesapeake society and politics
Best land taken by plantation owners making less economic opportunities for whites
Bottom rung of Chesapeake society - convicts, indentured servants, tenant farmers (1/2
white households in 1770)
Planters make laws that give them more power and restrict any chances for freedom of
slaves
Free blacks viewed as dangerous and undesirable, unable to own guns, hire white
servants, have to pay special taxes
1723 Virginia revokes voting rights for land owning blacks
Free blacks make up less the 4% of Virginia society in 1750
The Rice Kingdom:
Rice production in South Carolina and Georgia
By 1730 2/3 population of South Carolina was black
Indigo staple crop requires large scale cultivation and slaves
Africans who taught english how to cultivate rice which then becomes basis of slave
system
South Carolina planters own more land and slaves then their Virginia counterparts
Watery Rice fields filled with malaria infested mosquitoes so planters leave their slaves
under the control of overseers and other slaves
Slavery in the North:
Small farmers dominate
Slaves work as farm hands, in artisan shops, loading and unloading ships, as personal
servants
Early 18th century 3/4 of urban elite own at least one slave
Small slave population in north makes it so their is no fear of major revolt so laws in the
north are much less harsh
New England - Slave marriages recognized by law, sever physical punishment of slaves
is prohibited, slave could go to court and testify against whites, own property and pass
it along to their children
30% of laborers in NY were slaves in 1746
Urban economies that expand and contract based on the market. This leads employers
to determine they are better off with wage earners then slaves
Wage earners can hired and fired while slaves are a long term investment
Slave Cultures and Slave Resistance:
Becoming African American:
300k Africans brought to mainland during 18th century came from different cultures,
spoke different languages, had different religions
Their bond was the experience of slavery
Over the years they begin to identify themselves as African Americans through music,
art, folklore, language and religion
Good conditions in the Chesapeake lead to slaves reproducing and creating an
environment for families Centered communities
Chesapeake slaves have much interaction with whites so they learn English and get
swept up in English religion like the Great Awakening
On Rice plantations in SC and GA life was much more harsh and slaves did not
reproduce as much, they had little contact with whites and created much more African
based societies (houses, names, language)
Slaves in Charleston and Savannah who worked as servants or skilled laborers had much
more interaction with whites and assimilated quicker in to European culture
Slaves in the north were much fewer and more spread out and had more freedom then
ones down South so it took them longer to develop a distinct African American culture
Resistance to Slavery:
Common link is experience of slavery and desire for freedom
Colonial newspapers filled with ads for runaway slaves
Fugitives mostly young men who had recently arrived
In SC & GA they try to make it to Spanish Florida which had uninhabited swaps or to
Charleston or Savannah were they could blend in with free mulatto population that had
sprung up because of masters and women slaves sexual liaisons
First slave uprising in NYC 1712 - slaves set fire to houses then kill first 9 whites who
arrived on scene
Some conspirators were tortured or burned alive in public to intimidate the black
community
Battles between European empires and Indians during 1730s and 1740s opened door to
slave resistance
Crisis of 1739 - 1741 during War of Jenkins Ear (England v. Spain) SC slaves rise up and
begin marching towards Florida were Spain had offered them exile along the way they
burnt houses, barns and killed whites. The upraising was finally put down and lead to
severe tightening of SC slave codes
An Empire of Freedom:
British Patriotism
Despite slave economy GB prided itself on being world most advanced and freest nation
with great navy, commercial power, complex government with a Parliament
representing interests of landed aristocracy and merchant class
Common law, common language, and (with few exceptions) common devotion to
Protestantism
France was now seen as England's main rival and aggressions between the two countries
help lead to a greater sense of national identity against a common foe
Symbols of British identity begin to become stronger in 18th century - songs like "God
Save the King" and international rules for cricket
Expanding British overseas commerce was a point of great pride
The British Constitution:
House of Commons, House of Lords, King all acted as checks on each others power
Freedom from over use of government power becomes and essential part of British
understanding of freedom
View other nations of Europe as enslaved to popery, tyranny, or barbarism
People across the empire begin to look at liberty as something that no longer has to do
with class but rather as a right of all Englishmen
They begin to have demonstrations against what they view as abuses of power like
merchants raising the price of bread or the British governments practice of impressment
Two Views of 18th Century freedom: Republicanism and Liberal
Republicanism: active participation public life by economically independent citizens
Only property owning citizens had virtue to do what is right for the public good
This view is associated with a group called "Country Party" Whose support came from
landed gentry
Condemn government appointees in House of Commons, rising national debt, and
growing wealth of speculators in commercial economy
This growing sense of luxury and political manipulation they saw as a threat to liberty
Writings such as "Cato's Letters" (1720) had little impact in England but were devoured
by Colonists who sympathized with idea of independent landowner and threat of big
government infringing upon liberty
Second group - Liberalism
Individual and private - John Lock leading philosopher "Two Treatises on Government"
(1680)
Argues against common held view of government being set up like a family in which
power came from the top
Instead a "Social Contract" a mutual agreement among equals - in which people
surrender part of the right to govern themselves in order to enjoy benefits of rule of
law...in which their property would be protected
Locke's ideas of individual rights, consent of the governed, right to rebel against unjust
or oppressive government become familiar on both sides of Atlantic in 18th century
While Locke believed in a government run by propertied white men. He defended
property rights for women and condemned slavery. He also helped right constitution of
Carolina which set up oppressive slave codes and he was an investor in Royal African
Company which had a monopoly on slave trade
Regardless his ideas opened the door for poor, women, and even slaves to challenge
limitations on their freedom using his arguments
Both republican and liberalism ideas in 18th century overlapped and had many
compatible aspects such as protection of property,constitutional government, individual
rights....both spread to America
and would help to divide the empire
The Public Sphere :
18th century politics in colonies less tumultuous then in 17th century because of local
elites and political and economic stability in London
The Right to Vote:
America has more democratic quality then British with different voting requirements
suffering from colony to colony but property qualification is still the linchpin
Property requirements insured that men with an economic stake in government
determined it's policies
Slaves, tenants, servants, wives, sons living at home all lacked a "will of their own"
Because of the greater distribution of property in colonies many more people had the
right to vote then in the Old World
50 - 80% of adult white colonial males could vote in 18th century number was less then
5% in Britain
Voting was primarily a white Protestant propertied male thing and excluded women,
free blacks, indians, Catholics, and Jews
Political Cultures:
Members of colonial assemblies remained out of touch with their constituents
Competitive elections only norm in middle colonies
Power was with those who held appointed not elective office
Governors and councils appointed by Crown in 9 royal colonies and by proprietors in
Pennsylvania and Maryland
Only in RI and CT were these offices of Governor and council elected
Laws passed by assemblies could vetoed by Governors or in London
Property qualifications for voting much higher for holding office then for voting
example SC 50 acres to vote 500 acres to hold office
While many people had the right to vote there was an ingrained sense among ordinary
people that wealth, education, and social prominence carried with it a right to public
office
Thomas Jefferson's first campaign for House of Burgesses in 1768 he hired two people
for the job of "bringing up rum" to the polling places
Colonial Government:
SALUTARY NEGLECT - because of events in Europe the British governments during first
half of the 18th century left the colonies alone to govern themselves for the most part
With weak imperial power - large landowners, merchants, and lawyers who controlled
local assemblies claimed the right and will of the people to make local decisions
Because assemblies controlled levying taxes that paid Governors salaries many
governors quickly learned that they had to work with the assemblies
THE RISE OF ASSEMBLIES
17th century governor focal point of political authority
18th century elite demand that local assemblies have same power as House of
commons
POLITICS IN PUBLIC
18th century sees widening of the "public sphere" of people debating and discussing
political matters outside of the assemblies
Ben Franklin founds the Junto club in 1727 weekly discussions on political and economic
matters
Taverns and coffee houses become important for political debates
THE COLONIAL PRESS
Expands rapidly in 18th century
Widespread literacy sparks demand
By 1776 3/4 of free adult male colonist could read and and write along with 1/3 of free
women
Free circulating libraries spring up in the colonies
25 colonial newspapers by 1765
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND IT'S LIMITS
Freedom of speech is first a belief that was only given to members of Parliament while
they were debating in parliament
Not intended to be a universal right of an Englishman
Governments believe freedom of the press was a dangerous idea
Publishers or individual journalist could be prosecuted for "seditious libel" of
government officials
Colonial newspapers fight for right of freedom of press
Reprint selections from Cato's Letters "with out freedom of thought there can be no
such thing as wisdom, and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech"
THE AMERICAN ENLIGHTENMENT
Enlightenment thinkers believe every human institution, authority, and tradition be
judged against the bar of reason
Ben Franklin many pursuits establish him as the most well known American in the world
Thinkers believe that reason not religion should govern human affairs (bloody religious
wars of Europe in 17th century)
THE GREAT AWAKENING
Religion remains central to 18th century American life
Sermons, bibles, theologians writings were most printed material in the colonies
Religious disputes gain more public attention than political ones
Yet religious leaders worried as economic growth soon turned more colonists to worldly
affairs
RELIGIOUS REVIVALS
Ministers worry that westward expansion, enlightenment, commercial development, and
decrease in church attendance is under ing religious devotion
1730s religious revivals sweep colonies known as Great Awakening
"religion of the heart" more personal and emotional Christianity then former colonial
religion
Intensely emotional style of preaching
Jonathan Edwards sermon "Sinners In The Hands Of Angry God"
Only a "new birth" of immediately acknowledging ones sins and pleading for divine
grace could save one from hell
English minister George Whitefield sparks Great Awakening arrives in America in 1739
Preaches from Georgia to New England asks listeners to look into their own hearts and
ask the question "am I saved?" if not you must repent your sins and surrender life to
Jesus
Revival events become the first major intercolonial events in North American history
Preachers threaten established churches who publish literature Condemning them
CT passes laws to try and stop preachers
Revivals bring the Emergence of new denominations - Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian
and others
Defend religious freedom as one which government should not restrict through tax
supported established churches
AWAKENINGS IMPACT
Revivals reflect existing social tension,question authority, and inspire criticism of colonial
society
Attract men and women of modest means
Criticize commercial society urge listeners to seek salvation not profit
Speaking in southern backcountry to small farmers they criticized planter elite,
gambling, and lavish entertainment on the Sabbath
Some preachers denounce slavery which importantly brought some slaves to
Christianity which is an important step in them becoming African Americans
Newspaper wars caused by the Great Awakening help to spread circulation of
newspapers
Give idea to common man that he has a right to make judgments act for himself
This idea of an "independent frame of mind" had great political ramifications
IMPERIAL RIVALRIES
Colonies of England's rivals covered immense territories but were thinly populated and
far weaker economically
BATTLE FOR THE CONTINENT
18th century sees the Western frothier of births north America become the focal point
of imperial rivalries
Ohio River Valley becomes battleground of British, French, Rival Indian tribes, and
settlers and land companies
Indians had learned that direct military confrontation with Europe meant suicide so they
turn to forming alliances and attempt to play the powers off one another
Iroquois become masters of balance of power diplomacy
In 1749 Virginia Government awards an immense land grant to the Ohio Company
(George Washington a member as well as the Lee family)
At the time their were very few whites in the area so this moves threatens the Indians
and the French who bolster their presence in the region
This beef is the beginning of the Seven Years War first to begin in the colonies and first
to have a decisive victor
THE SEVEN YEARS WAR
By 1750s British trade reaches all around the world
Existence of global empires meant that war would stretch around globe
What starts in the Ohio River Valley would eventually spread to Europe, Africa, and Asia
21 year old George Washington is sent to persuade French to abandon a fort they were
occupying on what Virginia believed was it's land
In 1754 GW builds Fort Necessity he loses 1/3 of his men and is forced to surrender
Soon General Edward Braddock attempts to take Fort Duquesne (Pitt) the French and
Indians kill or wound him and 2/3 of his 3k men
First 2 years of war is bad for British as the French capture their forts in North America
Both sides expelled people's from their land
Prime Minister William Pitt (1757) takes office pours money, men, and naval forces into
the war and turns tide in favor of the British
Pitt pays money to Austria and Prussia to hold off Spain and France in Europe so that
Britain could focus on crushing the French in North America
America was won in Europe as French get bogged down in war and can't send
reinforcements to
their weak colonies
In 1760 last outpost of New France surrenders
British also gain control of French Caribbean islands and French holdings in India
A WORLD TRANSFORMED
Treaty of Paris 1763
France gives Britain Canada in return for sugar islands in caribbean
Spain gives Britain control of Florida in return for Philippines and Cuba which Britain had
seized during the war
France gives Spain Louisiana territory
This ends Frances 200 year old North American empire
Everything East of the Mississippi is now in hands of the British
The war lead to a financial crisis in France that lasted 3 decades and helped lead to the
French Revolution
British attempt to recoup losses of war by raising taxes on the colonies
PONTIAC's REBELLION
With the French gone e Indians can no longer play the rival powers off one another
Indian's see British victory as a threat to their freedom
Indians had fought on both sides of war but primarily the French
French cede land that indians thought was their own
1763 Indians of Ohio Valley wage war on encroachment of British settlers onto their
land
Neolin a religious prophet told his people to reject European technology, stop taxing
with whites, stop wearing white clothes, reject alcohol, and drive invaders from their
land
Pan Indian Identity - belief that all Indians were the same people and only through tribal
cooperation could they regain their independence
Mixing of Indian warriors into French army helps develop this idea of Pan Indian Identity
THE PROCLAMATION LINE
Proclamation of 1763 prohibits British settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains
and bans sale of Indian lands to private individuals only colonial governments could
make these purchases
British looking to avoid an all out war against the Indians
Law outrages settlers and speculators who believed they had won this land in the war
and that it was rightfully theirs
Colonists ignore the law (including GW)
COLONIAL IDENTITIES
Colonist like the Indians emerge from the war with a heightened sense of collective
identity
Greater bonds among colonies and colonists who had little interaction before war
Ben Franklin "join or die" cartoon
Also brings tensions between professional British soldiers who look down on untrained
colonial militia