Increasing Colonial Unity AP US History Mrs. Housenick 8/27/09

What factors made the colonies more unified?

I. The New England Confederation Est. 1643 To defend against enemies—Indians, French, Dutch First notable step toward colonial unity King responds by increasing his control over area.

II. Hatred for the Dominion of New England Created by royal authority in 1686— imposed by British government. All of New England, then NY and NJ British said it was to defend against Indians, really to make Navigation Laws more effective. Hatred for head Sir Edmund Andros

III. Effects of England’s Glorious Revolution in America Rioting against Dominion, got rid of it altogether. Still, royal control over area had increased. After Glorious Revolution, many rebelled against royal authority in America. Was some relaxing of the crown’s hold on colonies SALUTARY NEGLECT Still British presence in the colonies.

IV. The Great Awakening Response to dilution of Puritan faith. 2 main problems too much clerical intellectualism too much lay liberalism

Great Awakening ctnd. Religious revival 1740s and 1750s Jonathan Edwards—”Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” Used intense emotional appeals Many “New Lights” became filled with new religious fervor

Great Awakening ctnd. From Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards: “The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked. His wrath toward you burns like fire; he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else but to be cast into the fire.”

Effects of the Great Awakening Challenge to church authority, and authority in general New wave of missionary work Increased number and competitiveness of churches First spontaneous mass movement of American people—showed growing sense of unity.

V. Colonial Politics Two-house legislatures Self-taxation through representation Often conflict between colonial governor and legislature Qualifications for voting—1/2 adult males disenfranchised. Still, more democratic than Europe

Evidence of Colonial Unity Common origins Common ways of life Common beliefs in toleration Goals for economic development Desire for some degree of self-rule All separated from England by 3000 miles!

Cultural and Social Developments in the Colonies Education --First schools really to spread religious faith --More common in New England --Even college education designed to ready men for ministry

Cultural developments ctnd. Printing Books not so popular, but many colonial newspapers, very popular. Zenger case—freedom of press