Section 2: Life in Colonial America Chapter 3 Section 2: Life in Colonial America

Colonial Society A person’s wealth, gender, or race went a long way toward determining their place in society Belief that people aren’t equal Gentry- set themselves apart by clothing Wigs, silk stockings, lace cuffs, etc “Gentle folk”

Wealth in Land Adult, single women & free African Americans could own land but very few did Small group of elite landowning men dominated politics

At a young age boys become apprentices to learn a trade Trade & Occupations Artisans At a young age boys become apprentices to learn a trade Provided silver goods, furniture, tin ware, pottery, & glassware

Printers Gathered & circulated local news & information Had to be cautious or could be arrested Almanacs

New England farmers worked the thin, rocky soil Farmers & Fisherman New England farmers worked the thin, rocky soil Many earned a living through the sea- haddock, bass, clams, mussels, & crabs

Colonial Women Status was determined by their men (under husband’s control) Women & the Law Men had unlimited power Women’s duties Cooking, gardening, washing, cleaning, weaving cloth, & sewing

Colonists ate better, lived longer, & had more children The Nature of Work Colonists ate better, lived longer, & had more children More opportunity to advance in wealth & status

Everyone work to maintain the household by producing food & goods Goals of the household was to be self sufficient

Colonial Education School attendance was not mandatory & most children received little education New England colonies became early leader because of the Puritans Believed everyone should be able to read the Bible

1674- Massachusetts required towns with at least 50 families to have a school master to teach Reading, writing, & arithmetic 100 families had to have a grammar school with instruction in Greek & Latin Girls didn’t go

Colonial colleges training ministers & lawyers Only wealthy attended 3 colleges by 1740’s Harvard 1636, William & Mary, VA 1693, & Yale, Connecticut 1703 By 1769- 5 colleges were in the Middle & New England colonies