Section 4.2: Government, Religion & Culture
Glorious Revolution Parliament forced out King James & placed his daughter Mary and her Dutch husband, William of Orange, on the throne. KICKED OUT THE KING! REPLACED HIM WITH A NEW QUEEN. This change showed the power of elected representatives over the monarch (king)
English Bill of Rights William and Mary signed in 1689 Guaranteed certain basic rights to all citizens Later inspired the American Bill of Rights
Mercantilism Economic theory that states as a nation’s trade grows, its gold reserves increase and the nation becomes more powerful To make money, England had to export (sell abroad) more than she imported (bought from abroad) Money = Power
Navigation Acts Passed to make certain only England benefited from trade with the colonies 1. Directed the flow of goods between England & colonies 2. Colonial merchants could not use foreign ships 3. Could not send products such as sugar & tobacco outside England’s empire ***Colonists began to smuggle (trade illegally)
Colonial Government Magna Carta – 1215 – established principle of limited government Provided for protection against unjust punishment and against the loss of life, liberty and property, except according to law
Great Awakening Religious revival in the colonies. Led to the formation of new churches.
Family Roles Family formed the foundation of society Farm – home and workplace Man head of household Married women held few rights Widows & unmarried women could run business or own property
Education Massachusetts Puritans passed a public education law – 1647: 50 households in town = school supported by taxes Harvard College – 1st college – 1636 – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Enlightenment Spread the idea that knowledge, science & reason could improve society Famous enlightenment example: Ben Franklin
Freedom of the Press John Peter Zenger accused of libel (false accusations published in newspaper) Jury found him not guilty – accusations were the truth Established freedom of the press