Ch 3.2 The Agricultural South MAIN IDEA The economy of the Southern colonies was predominately agricultural, which relied heavily on slave labor.
Plantation Economy Growth of agriculture and cash crops. -Fertile soil. -Tobacco, sugar, indigo, rice. Long deep rivers used for transport. Plantations are self-sufficient. Few cities grow: warehouses, shops not needed.
Diverse Population In 1700’s, many German, Scot, Scot-Irish immigrant to the South. Mostly small farmers. Planters control economy. By the mid-1700s, export trade makes colonies wealthy.
Role of Women Have few legal or social rights and very little schooling. Cook, clean, garden, and do farm chores. Submit to husband’s will. Rich or poor.
Indentured Servants In 1600’s, male servants are 1/2 to 2/3 of immigrants. By the 1700’s report of hardships keep European laborers away. -Cost rise.
Evolution of Slavery Slaves- people considered the property of others. -Work for life, inherited. Colonists unable to enslave Native Amer. American slavery clearly race-based.
Triangle Trade Network ties colonies, Africa, and West Indies. -New England exports rum to Africa. -Africa exports slaves to West Indies. -West Indies export sugar, molasses to New England.
The Middle Passage Middle leg of triangle trade. 20% or more died from disease, abuse, or suicide.
Slavery in the South 80%-90% are field hands, 10%-20% are house hands or artisans. Work from 12 yo- death. Beat or whipped those considered disobedient or disrespectful. Owners hired overseers.
Culture and Family Many different cultures and languages. Tried to preserve culture heritage: crafts, music, stories, and dance. Merchants and owners split up families; slaves raised children left behind.
Resistance and Revolt Sabotage or escape. Stono Rebellion, 1739 -Planter families killed. -Militia defeats slaves. Slave laws tighten. -Rebellions continue.
The Commercial North The Northern colonies develop a predominately urban society based on commerce and trade. NEXT
The Commercial North Commerce Grows in the North A Diversified Economy • Cold winters, rocky soil restrict New Englanders to small farms • Middle colonies raise livestock, crops; export surplus • Diverse commercial economy develops in New England, middle colonies • By mid-1700s, merchants are powerful in North Urban Life • Growth in trade leads to large port cities like New York, Boston • Philadelphia second largest city in British empire; has urban plan
Northern Society Is Diverse Influx of Immigrants • 1700s, large influx of immigrants: Germans, Scots-Irish, Dutch, Jews • Immigrants encounter prejudice, clash with frontier Native Americans Slavery in the North • Less slavery in North than in South; prejudice still exists • Slaves have some legal rights, but highly restricted
Women in Northern Society Northern Society Is Diverse Women in Northern Society • Women have extensive work responsibilities but few legal rights • Only single women, widows can own businesses • Wives must submit to husbands
New Ideas Influence the Colonists The Enlightenment • For centuries philosophers used reason, science to explain world • Enlightenment—movement in 1700s emphasizing reason, observation • Enlightenment ideas spread quickly through books, pamphlets • Benjamin Franklin embraces Enlightenment ideas • Other colonial leaders also adopt Enlightenment views “Think of possibilities, not just actualities….”
New Ideas Influence the Colonists The Great Awakening • Puritans lose grip on Massachusetts society, membership declines • Jonathan Edwards preaches people are sinful, must seek God’s mercy • Great Awakening religious revival of the 1730s and 1740s • Native Americans, African Americans, colonists join new churches • Interest in learning increases; Protestants found colleges •