Day 8: Colonial Life Unit 2

Questions of the Day 1. How did the colonists’ experiences under the British government influence them to establish a system of self-government? 2. How did the diversity of the populations in each colonial region lead to varied experiences economically, socially, and politically? 3. How did the colonists justify taking land from Native Americans and owning slaves during the time of the 1 st Great Awakening? 4. Describe John Locke’s notion of the social contract. Analyze the ways in which American citizens enter into a social contract with the government.

Life in the Colonies Colonial Economics Focused on benefiting England Mercantilism-creating and maintaining national wealth by carefully controlling foreign trade Triangular Trade Why would England want to limit the colonies in trade?

Geography and Colonial Economics The goods that each colony produced and imported depended largely on that colony’s geography.

The New England Economy Difficult agricultural environment Climate was harsh Soil was rocky Rich fishing waters Shipbuilding Fur trade Skilled craftspeople

The Southern Economy Large plantations were common Relied on agriculture and raw materials Exported raw materials for building ships Warm climate Long growing season Cash crops included tobacco, rice, and indigo Slave labor was mainly on plantations

The Middle Colonies Developed both commerce and agriculture Produced surplus foodstuffs Staple crops like wheat, barley and oats were in demand Raised and exported livestock Skilled laborers, such as tailors, printers, and carpenters Thriving seaports

Colonial Politics Each colony established its own form of government Three categories: 1. Proprietary: Land given to a loyal friend of monarchy to settle 2. Company: Land grant was administered by a company (Joint-stock companies) 3. Royal: governed by the Crown (royal governor chosen by king) King Charles II

Ideas about Self-Government Colonists were used to running their own lives Royal officials were distracted by conflicts overseas

Influences from England’s Early Government The English brought with them a history of limited and representative government. England was ruled by a monarch—a king or queen, but nobles held much power.

Parliament Nobles and church officials who advised Henry III developed into a legislature—a lawmaking body—known as Parliament. In a power struggle, Parliament removed King James II from the throne. This peaceful transfer of power was the Glorious Revolution. From then on, no ruler would have more power than the legislature.

English Bill of Rights Parliament drew up the English Bill of Rights. It required the monarch to get Parliament’s consent to impose taxes, raise an army, or create special courts. It guaranteed free elections, free speech, a fair jury, and no cruel and unusual punishments. The Bill of Rights was accepted by William and Mary

Common Law In its early days, England had no written laws. People developed rules to live by which came to have the force of law. Judges made rulings consistent with precedents, or rulings in earlier cases that were similar. The system of law based on precedent and custom is known as common law. Our laws are based on English common law.

House of Burgesses The colonists chose representatives called burgesses to meet with the governor. These representatives formed the House of Burgesses, the first legislature in the colonies. It marked the beginning of self- government in the colonies.

Mayflower Compact Before arriving in Plymouth, the Pilgrims drew up the Mayflower Compact, a written plan that set up a direct democracy in the color. A compact is an agreement, or contract, among a group of people. All men would vote. The majority would rule.

Early Colonial Governments  Later English colonies along the east coast followed the examples of the Mayflower Compact and the House of Burgesses. Each colony had a governor and elected legislature, often modeled after Parliament.  The colonial governments took on more power over time, as the king and Parliament were preoccupied at home. The colonists grew used to making their own decisions.

Finish Lesson 7 on Page 35 of WTP Read all of the lesson Complete the 11 vocabulary terms in order of the reading Answer all questions on each page (if any) Be prepared to share answers If you finish early, start reviewing notes for the small test tomorrow!