Colonial America
How did the colonies govern themselves? Developed their own systems Two dozen separate colonies in British America Largely based on independent farmers
Mercantilism
High tariffs Network of overseas colonies Forbidding trade with other nations Monopolizing markets with staple ports Banning export of gold & silver Forbidding trade to be carried in foreign ships Export subsidies Promoting manufacturing with research or direct subsidies Limiting wages Maximizing use of domestic resources Restricting domestic consumption with non-tariff barriers to trade
Age of Enlightenment
Thomas Hobbes
Hobbes on natural state of mankind: “In such condition, there is no place for industry; because the fruit thereof is uncertain: and consequently no culture of the earth; no navigation, nor use of the commodities that may be imported by sea; no commodious building; no instruments of moving, and removing, such things as require much force; no knowledge of the face of the earth; no account of time; no arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear, and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” – “Chapter XIII.: Of the Natural Condition of Mankind as Concerning their Felicity, and Misery.” - Leviathan
John Locke
Voltaire “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”
Montesquieu
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Virginia Company London Company Jamestown Company of Plymouth Plymouth King James I
House of Burgesses
Town Meeting