Colonial Society & Democratic Growth 1607-1692

The Unhealthy Chesapeake The Early years in the Chesapeake (1607-1680) Life expectancy cut by 10 years (few lived to be 40-50 yrs. Old); Half of Chesapeake settlers died by age 20 years old. The Chesapeake Grew very slowly- mostly with new immigrants 1600’s- ½ people born in Va. & Maryland lived to be aged 20. 6 to 1 male to female ratio early on 1/3 of brides were pregnant before wedding Marriages ended by death of one or both partners (avg. length of marriage- 7 years) Disease- malaria, dysentery, typhoid, yellow fever outbreaks 1622-1640 (15,000 English immigrants arrived in Virginia, but the population rise was only 2,000 to 8,000.

Chesapeake Life By 1700, more than 100,000 immigrants (English mostly) had come to Virginia & Maryland. Overtime immigrants poured into the Chesapeake due to the prospects of landownership. (Indentured Servitude) Life of Indentured Servants If indentured servants survived the voyage & 1st year in the diseased environment (seasoning), they were a bargain for masters (land owners) During the tobacco boom, a male indentured servant could produce 5 times his purchase price. Few indentured servants could escape poverty. 1/2 of male indentured servants died before their contracts were up…EARLY ON. Only ¼ achieved property ownership

Population Comparisons: New England v. the Chesapeake

Tobacco Economy & Geography Over Time– Tobacco became an important export crop for the Chesapeake & North Carolina (40 year economic boom) Role of Geography & Climate in Shaping Development of the Chesapeake & North Carolina Longer growing season (due to shorter & less severe winters) Soil conducive to growing—tobacco, cotton etc. Hot, Humid climate= disease (malaria)= shorter life spans at first. Remember also- Virginia was 1st settled by a for-profit-corporation. Tobacco Economy If prices fell…planters would just plant more & more…Tobacco outpaced food crops 1.5 million pounds exported in 1630’s; 40 million lbs. by 1700 (change over time!) Rising prices= demand for more land= demand for more labor (indentured servants) Most laborers'= indentured servants (3/4 of European immigrants in Chesapeake)

INDENTURED SERVANT vs. SLAVERY What factors led to the introduction of African slavery replacing indentured servitude as the labor force in the American Colonies?

Bacon’s Rebellion (1676 - 1677) Nathaniel Bacon represents former indentured servants. Governor William Berkeley of Jamestown

BACON'S REBELLION Background As early as the 1660’s, the English economy was improving. Indentured servants harder to lure to British colonies. African servants were NOT classified as “chattel” (permanently slave)…YET! By the 1670’s in Virginia, wealth & power was amassed by a small group of men who held land, servants, and political office. The wealthy owned @ ½ the land in Virginia. So large numbers of impoverished, discontented freed indentured servants existed in the colonies (had little access to land, disenfranchised…) Forced to live in the “backcountry” along side hostile Indians.

BACON'S REBELLION 1676 Causes of the Rebellion: Governor Nathaniel Berkeley Gave large land grants to members of his Council & bought off the House of Burgesses Council members exempted their land from taxation House of Burgesses- voted to take the vote away from landless freemen. Trouble on the Frontier with Indians Indians in Virginia’s frontier lived on land guaranteed them by treaty Poor Freeholders (landowning English) & poor landless English settlers wanted access to the Indian land & demanded the natives be expelled. Wealthy planters & Gov. Berkeley ignored their demands (traded for furs with several tribes). Nathaniel Bacon (29 yrs. old) – led a mixed race group of backcountry frontiersmen The rebels attacked Indians, ran Gov. Berkeley out of Jamestown (capital) & burned Jamestown (plundered stores) Bacon died of disease…his followers scatter, those captured by colonial militia are executed.

Results & Significance of Bacon’s Rebellion After the rebellion, Virginia’s leaders tried harder to appease their frontier neighbors. Reduced head taxes (on each adult man) Encouraged small farmers to use slave labor Coincided with the time period when Virginia planters were shifting to use of African slaves. Foreshadows future class revolts (Culpepper’s In NC, Paxton Boys Revolt in Penn., Regulators In NC, Leisler’s in NY). The Planter class starts to divide poorer masses By RACE …by making laws that say that African slaves children are slaves for life (1662 Virginia Law) Planters create the “Herrenvolk” Democracy- limited to the white nation only, elevating the yeoman farmers but still denying them the vote through property requirements.

BACON'S REBELLION

** Every colony before the Revolution will have slavery present. SLAVERY in the British North American Colonies. Slavery has been practiced since the beginning of documented history. Slavery introduced by the Spanish into the West Indies after Columbus’s discovery of America. Spanish and Portuguese expanded African slavery into Central and South American after enslaved Indians began dying off. In 1619, the first recorded introduction of African slaves or black indentures into what would become the United States was in the settlement of Jamestown……Only 20 slaves/indentured were purchased…. ** Every colony before the Revolution will have slavery present. Slaves captured in Africa Slaves aboard ship—Middle Passage

Note the date Of this chart…1770! Can you tell why Southern colonies were Called “Slave Societies”? Middle & New England colonies were known as “Societies With Slaves”??

Note the dates each colony legalizes slavery & the growth of slavery In each colony from 1680 to 1740.

Note that the growth of the overall population of the colonies grew exponentially after 1700. The African population in the Colonies also grew but to a lesser degree compared to the overall population.

This is called the Middle Passage

Slavery in Colonial America Slavery grew slowly in British North American Colonies (few whites could afford African slaves early on; white servants were better investment) Reasons for Growth of African Slavery Mid to late 1600’s, English economy improved= less people were coming as Indentures. 2. 1680’s- fewer indentured servants & fear of angry farmers (Bacon’s Rebellion)= more reliance on African slaves 3. 1698- Royal African Co.- lost monopoly = North American shippers (Rhode Islanders esp.) began trading in slaves= more slaves= part of Triangle Trade 1600’s –10,000 Africans brought to British North America 1700’s– 390,000 Africans brought to British North America 1720- blacks make up 20% of Chesapeake’s population 1750- slaves count almost half of Va. Population Slave Codes- define slaves as lifetime chattel, forbids teaching reading or writing to slaves, 1692 law in Virginia- masters not charged for killing a slave in Virginia 1692

African to African-American Dragged from various parts of Africa, the first Africans in America struggled to preserve diverse heritages. The American born children of African slaves blended a variety of African traditions into a distinctive African-American culture. The First Africans in America in the early 1600’s Brought a variety of African traditions, languages, skills, music, and foods etc. Example: Africans with knowledge of rice growing introduced rice to European diets. Mostly male who were slaves on small isolated farms Some slaves were able to purchase their freedom (manumission) from masters (Anthony Johnson-former slave who became a slaveholder). African Slaves in the 18th Century (1700’s) A settled slave society emerged in the southern colonies. Slave laws tightened Importations of slaves increased---large plantations formed. **A new generation of American-born slaves joined older generations in the fields.

From African to African-American American-born slaves had a hard time finding ways to resist slavery. Men worked from sun up till sundown. Women worked in fields in the day…spun cloth at night. Women lived in fear of sexual exploitation by masters. By 1700’s, female slaves were bought & encouraged to have families A Vibrant Slave Community Culture Emerged 1700’s A unique New World blend of African & western cultures. Example: Religion: most slaves became Christian & fused elements of African & western traditions in worship. Developed their own Biblical interpretations (whites emphasized Biblical teachings about humility & “staying in your place”---slaves emphasized liberation elements (Moses). Black Methodists incorporated the “Ring shout” (a dance in which the legs do not cross)---later the 1920’s dance craze the Charleston results. “ Negro Spirituals” – created songs that emphasized liberty, freedom

Slave Community Culture The Formation of Slave Families: a more or less balanced sex ratio= encouraged marriage & family (though slave families lived in fear of being split up). High slave death rates in the Carolinas =difficult to build family life In Chesapeake after 1725, some slaves had strong nuclear families & extended kin African Practices Influence American Slave Community Many Africans arrived with “Country markings”- a practice that ended on culturally diverse plantations. African-inspired hairstyles, motifs used in wood carvings & pottery. Musical instruments: drums, gourds, and the “molo” forerunner of the banjo.

SLAVE RESISTANCE A Slave owner’s greatest fear was slave uprising. Occasionally that fear was realized. large scale slave uprisings were all but impossible because of the nature of slavery a rebellion required secret communication across long distances, choose leaders one can trust Ability to Formulate and communicate a strategy Ability to Accumulate large numbers of weapons. The Stono Rebellion (SC 1739) Largest slave uprising on the mainland colonies. The Spanish Governor of Florida offered freedom to fugitive slaves= started the revolt in SC. By Feb. 1739- 69 slaves had escaped to St. Augustine Fla. Sept. 1739- (war broke out between England & Spain) 75 Africans rose up & killed a number of whites near the Stono River in SC They marched towards Florida “with Colours displayed & drums beating” A well-armed SC militia caught up with them & 44 slaves were killed

Southern Society The Spread of slavery widened the social gap as the 17th century gave way to the 18th century. The Planter Elites: All over the Chesapeake & South; owned huge tracts of land, ran & influenced the government, owned large numbers of slaves. (In Virginia---FF of V) 1775- Planters elites in Virginia (FFV’s) make up 70% of the House of burgesses membership. 2. Small Farmers (Yeomen—”plain folk)- (largest group) owned small amounts of land (maybe 1-2 slaves) 3. Landless whites & Indentured Servants- barely made a living from the land 5. African slaves The Southern colonies had few cities of much size (Charleston was the largest & important seaport) Life revolved around plantations separated geographically

New England Society The New England Life The Puritans had fled England, where elite nobles & gentry owned 75% of the arable land and tenants (renters) & property less workers farmed it. In New England, the Puritans created a “yeoman” society of relatively equal land owning farm families (Freeholds) = to pass on to future generations in the family. The New England Life Cooler climate & clean water= longer life expectancy (adds 10 years of life; avg. life expectancy in New England= Age 70) Migrated as an entire family units from England (intact families) or entire English villages. The Fishing village at Marblehead, Mass. Was settled by fishermen from Old England= Specialization The New England Economy Northern New England= longer winters, short growing seasons= can’t rely on single cash crops like South. Southern New England= some small farming ventures (grains) New England= diversified economy= fishing (Cod), lumber, shipping, ship building

New England Marriage & Family Southern society generally allowed married women to retain separate title to property & gave widows the right to inherit a deceased husband’s estate due to short life expectancy. New England Families Early marriage encouraged= booming birthrates Large families encouraged (10 pregnancies – 8 surviving children)= tough on women=mortality; Midwifery- a sphere in life open to only women. Children had stability, taught obedience=low premarital pregnancy rates NE “invented grandparents” Rights of Women in New England Men were placed at the head of household Gave up property rights at marriage Widow’s property rights protected Women could not vote Women considered “morally weaker” than men (The Scarlet Letter -1850 Nathaniel Hawthorne ) Laws Established to protect marriage in NE Divorce was very rare—only granted in cases of adultery or abandonment; separated couples told to reunite Divorce- granted for abandonment or adultery only (rare) Adulterers whipped in public & forced to wear letter “A” Abusive husbands punished

The New England Town Tightly knit communities (hemmed by Indians, French, Dutch) Based on Small farms & villages Puritanism= unity & purpose & concern for moral health of community Towns grew in an orderly fashion (legally chartered by colonial authorities; distribution of land was entrusted to town fathers or proprietors) Development of a NE Town Upon receiving a tract of land from the colonial legislature, a proprietor would move his family there. Planned out the town layout A Meetinghouse –served as place of worship & town government (mix of church & state) surrounded by houses. Village Green- place for militia to drill. Each family got a woodlot, a pasture, land for crops.

Land Division in Sudbury, MA: 1639-1656

Education in New England * Massachusetts School Law of 1647 – (“Old Deluder Law”)-required establishment of schools. Towns provided education 50 or more families= elementary school 100 or more = secondary school ½ of adults could read 1636- Harvard (8 years after founding colony) Democracy & Governemt in New England **Town meetings- adult males met & voted (“the best school of political liberty the world ever saw.” Thomas Jefferson) Elected schoolmasters, officials Churches were tax supported (“Established”)

Higher Education in the Colonies Harvard, 1636—First colonial college; trained candidates for ministry College of William and Mary, 1694 (Anglican) Yale, 1701 (Congregational--Puritan) Great Awakening influences creation of 5 new colleges in mid-1700s College of New Jersey (Princeton), 1746 (Presbyterian) King’s College (Columbia), 1754 (Anglican) Rhode Island College (Brown), 1764 (Baptist) Queens College (Rutgers), 1766 (Dutch Reformed) Dartmouth College, 1769, (Congregational)

The decline of Puritanism Over time demographic changes led to declining Puritan fervor. Puritan populations moved out of town away from control of church. Puritan zeal began to diminish. There was a decline in conversions PURITAN THEOLOGY Mid 1600’s, a new form of sermon appeared =the “Jeremiad” The *Jeremiad, was used by preachers to scold parishioners into being more committed to their faith. *"Half-Way Covenant",1662: sought to attract more members by giving partial membership (baptism) but not full communion to children of existing church members (weakened line between the “elect” & others. Soon Puritan churches baptized anyone and the distinction between the "elect" and other members of society declined (*women became majority in churches now)           

SALEM WITCH TRIALS The Salem Witch Trials took place in Salem, Massachusetts from March to September 1693, was one of the most notorious episodes in early American history. 19 hung, 1 pressed, two dogs hanged; 55 confessed as witches and 150 awaited trial Under British law and Puritan society those who were accused of consorting with the devil were considered felons, having committed treason and punished by death.

SALEM WITCH TRIALS Causes Girls caught dancing, began to throw fits and accuse people of bewitching (To put under one's power by magic or cast a spell on them). Originally based on the false accusations of two young girls, Elizabeth Parris and Abigail Williams Ended in 1693 when the Governor stopped the trials and pardoned those awaiting trial. The accused were mostly women from families associated with Salem’s market economy; their accusers were from subsistence families who lived outside the town Shows how unfounded rumors can cause hysteria even lead to illogical thinking …today we call such things “a witch hunt”.

The New England Way “Yankee Way” Geography shaped them back-breaking work & soil= industry, penny-pinching (frugal) Less ethnically diverse than southern colonies Diversified agriculture (slavery existed but was not profitable) & industry Good harbors = shipbuilding & fishing “Calvinism, soil, & climate”= energy, purposefulness, sternness, self-reliance “Yankee ingenuity”

Southern Colonies were more ethnically diverse compared to New England

Generalities about all Settlers Majority were farmers Rose at dawn & went to bed at dusk (“worth the candle”) Land was cheap (less available in the south; cheap in Northern & Middle) European immigrants trying to recreate social structure in America were frustrated (Bacon’s Rebellion 1676, 1689-1691 Leisler’s Rebellion in NY)

Triangle Trade Lumber Tobacco Rice Indigo Furs To England from Colonies

The Triangle Trade Furniture Clothing Colonials had not factories. From England to Colonies

Religious diversity by 1775

Instructions: On your paper, write the correct colony with the number it matches…… List them in their regions. 15. New England 16. Middle 17. Southern 18. Chesapeake 14 2 13 10 7 12 11 8 9 5 1 6 4 3