American Revolution in Context
The Enlightenment (about 1620-1780)
1. John Locke- natural rights, social contract
theory, right to rebel
2. Montesquieu- separation of powers, rule of
law
3. Other ideas: Reason, Progress, Individualism,
Secularism, Humanism, Freedom, Equality
What is the significance of the
Enlightenment to the colonies?
Growth of printed word
1. Zenger Trial- John Zenger, a German
American printer and journalist, wrote articles
criticizing the governor of New York. The
governor sued Zenger for libel.
2. The jury upheld the freedom of the press.
3. What else will be written in books and
newspapers?
Puritan Turmoil
1. Predestination
2. Developed by John Calvin (a main
Protestant)
3. Belief that God has already chosen who
will receive salvation.
5. Arminianism
-salvation is determined by free will.
-all humans who accept God’s grace will be
saved, not just “predestined” people
Discussion: Whether you are religious
or not, what view makes more sense?
The First Great Awakening (1730s and 1740s)
1. Major preachers: Jonathan Edwards and
George Whitefield.
2. Movement promoted a direct relationship
with you and God.
3. Undermined the authority of the older
clergy.
4. Growth of new denominations, new
churches
5. Mass movement that struck all of the
colonies
The British Colonies: Filling in the Gaps
• New England
– Congregational Churches: Puritans ran their own
churches. Democracy in the church led to
democracy in government.
– Regular town hall meetings to make decisions for
the community.
– Not accepting of unchurched men at first, only
Puritans could vote
– Church was a very significant factor in public
affairs
(New Enlgland cont.)
Anne Hutchison and Roger Williams- against
church politics, believed they did not have to
follow the law of the church or man
• -Against predestination
• -Williams wanted complete separation from
Church of England or Anglicans
Happy Friday!
• Take out a pen or pencil
• Think Box: What are
your favorite colonies, so
far?
Economies
• New England- diversified economy, grew
mostly wheat, fishing, lumber, shipbuilding
– Yes, soil was rocky, but they could still grow many
crops.
• South- focus on cash crops/staple crops,
indentured servants then slave labor
(Economies Continued)
•Middle-”bread colonies”, fur trade, lumbering
and shipbuilding
– Basically, middle of New England and the South
– More industry than the South, more large land
holdings than New England.
– Society and Politics: ethnic diversity, religious
toleration, more democracy than other colonies
Middle Colonies started out strong due to
attractive measures.
-Religious tolerance, democracy, availability of
arable land, greater opportunity
South
•Beginning- horrible conditions, disease.
•Bacon’s Rebellion- In Virginia, indentured
servants looking for land to the west struggled
against NA. Angry with Governor Berkeley for
lack of protection, they revolted.
-Significance:
Navigation Laws 1650 and on- all trade with the
colonies had to be done in British ships
-Goods going to the colonies must go through
Britain first.
-Goods exported from the colonies must go to
Britain first.
Molasses Act 1733- forced British colonies to
trade with the British West Indies, rather than
the French West Indies
Colonial Government
Royal Colonies- governor appointed by British
crown (Southern colonies, Massachusetts, etc.)
Proprietary Colonies- governor appointed by
proprietor (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware)
-two house legislative body. One house chosen
by proprietor or governor, one house chosen by
popular vote
-Taxation decided by legislature
Why is this different than in Great Britain?
Local Governments
A. South: county govt.
B. New England: town-meeting govt.
(Who developed the New England govt.?)
C. Middle: a mix of the two
TPS: How did colonial government
differ from England? How did it
maintain continuity with England?