3-4: Colonial Society 1607-1754

Objectives CUL 1.0 Explain how religious groups and ideas have affected American society and political life. CUL 2.0 Explain how artistic, philosophical, and scientific ideas have developed and shaped society and institutions. CUL 3.0 Explain how ideas about women’s rights and gender roles have affected society and politics. CUL 4.0 Explain how different group identities, including racial, ethnic, class, and regional identities, have emerged and changed over time.

Key Concept Transatlantic commercial, religious, philosophical, and political exchanges led residents of the British colonies to evolve in their political and cultural attitudes as they became increasingly tied to Britain and one another.

Population growth European Immigrants Africans Settled in Appalachia English, Scots-Irish, German Africans 20% of population Majority in SC, VA

Structure of colonial society General Characteristics Self-Government Democratic Institutions House of Burgesses Mayflower Compact Town Meetings Fundamental Orders Religious Toleration No Hereditary Aristocracy Social Mobility “Puritan Ethic”

Structure of colonial society The Family Men Owned land Dominated political, economic, and domestic life Women Lost property when married No political rights Worked in the home Children Large families Played a role in household economy

The Economy New England Middle Colonies South Small farming, fishing, wood products, shipbuilding Increasingly incompatible with mercantilism Middle Colonies Small farming, trading South Export of “cash crops” Close ties to England

The Economy Cities Monetary System Transportation Mercantile centers Limited hard currency Paper money caused inflation Transportation Water faster than land Major cities emerged near good harbors and rivers “Atlantic economy”

Religion Challenges with Established Churches Great Awakening State-sponsored churches had smallest membership Halfway Covenant Great Awakening Overview—religious revival New Light Ministers—new sects Religious Impact—emotionalism Political Influence—challenged authority figures

Culture Arts and Sciences Architecture Painting Literature Science Benjamin Franklin Anne Bradstreet Phillis Wheatley James Fenimore Cooper Science

Culture Education Occupations Limited, but varied by colony Formal education solely for males Sectarian Bible colleges Occupations Ministry Physicians Lawyers

Culture The Press The Zenger Case Newspapers 1725—five papers 1775—40+ papers The Zenger Case Jailed for libel for criticizing NY governor Acquitted by jury who disregarded common law Encouraged criticism of public officials

Culture The Enlightenment Emergence of a National Character Use of reason to solve problems John Locke Natural laws Purpose of government Right to revolt Emergence of a National Character Distinctly American viewpoint Leaving Europe Heritage of England Influence of the environment Property rights Free speech