Unit 2: Tyranny & Revolution Lesson 2.1a: Life in Early America

How did exploration and colonization impact the early formation of the Americas? Essential Question

Life in Colonial America Early settlers in America had little money to invest in industry. As a result, many colonists relied on the importation of British goods. Instead of directly trading with England, the colonists set up the system of triangular trade. New England would send fish and lumber to the Caribbean in return for Caribbean sugar. Life in Colonial America

England was also a large supporter of the mercantilist theory. Mercantilism is an economic theory that states that a states power rests in its wealth. A state should be self-sufficient in raw materials. If you pay for raw materials you are losing money.

Mercantilism allowed the colonists to find reliable markets for their raw goods, however, it prevented the sale of the same goods to other countries. Mercantilism was a serious problem in New England. Many New Englanders turned to triangular trade and smuggling.

In 1660, Charles II assumed the British throne In 1660, Charles II assumed the British throne. He was determined to generate wealth for Britain in America. He would ask Parliament in 1660 to pass a series of Navigation Acts. Restricted trade in the colonies. All goods shipped to and from the colonies must be on English ships. Specific lists of goods that could be sold only to England or English Colonies. The Navigation Acts

Lumber, cotton, sugar, tobacco, indigo, etc. Colonists were angry at these restrictions and began to break the laws = smuggling!

The Glorious Revolution By 1688, England found itself in the middle of a crisis. James II was a devout Catholic who flouted the authority of Parliament, revoked town charters, and prosecuted Anglican bishops. The birth of James II’s son was the catalyst. James II had a daughter, Mary, who was Protestant. However, the birth of a son changed the line of succession to a Catholic heir. The Glorious Revolution

Parliament did not want a Catholic monarchy, so they invited Mary and her husband, William of Orange, to claim the throne. This act became known as the Glorious Revolution. Before they could assume the throne, William and Mary were forced to accept the English Bill of Rights.

1689: The English Bill of Rights stated that: Monarchs could not suspend laws of Parliament Monarchs could not create their own courts. Could not raise their own taxes or armies without consent from Parliament Guaranteed freedom of speech Banned excessive bail and unusual punishments Guaranteed trial by jury

What do you notice that is similar between the English Bill of Rights and the American government? Assessment Prompt 1

Slavery in the Early Colonies An estimated 10-12 million Africans were enslaved and sent to the Americas between 1450 and 1870. 3.6 million to Portuguese Brazil 1.5 million to Spanish colonies 3.7 million to British, French, and Dutch colonies in the Caribbean 500,000 sent to British North America Slavery in the Early Colonies

1619: the first enslaved African arrived in VA 1619: the first enslaved African arrived in VA. English law does not recognize the right to own another person at this time period. Africans could gain their freedom initially by converting to Christianity. 1660s: new laws shaped slavery into a hereditary system based on race.

1705: Virginia establishes slave codes (a set of laws defining the relationship between the enslaved and free peoples). Enslaved people could not: testify against whites in court, own property, move freely, or assemble in large groups. By 1775, around 20% of the population was of African heritage.

1739: A group of enslaved Africans rebelled against their white overseers in South Carolina. They attempted to escape to Spanish Florida. Local militia quickly put down the rebellion. 21 whites and 44 Africans were killed. Stono Rebellion

How did the introduction of enslaved Africans impact colonial society? Think about it evolved over time. Assessment Prompt 2

By the 1700s, the colonies were seeing a dramatic shift in ideals thanks to the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening. The Enlightenment placed an emphasis on reason. Believed that natural laws applied to social, political, and economic relationships. People could figure out these relationships by reasoning (aka rationalism). Changing Ideas

Thomas Hobbes & Leviathan Believed the only correct form of government was a monarchy. Believed people were inherently sinful. People were constantly destroying each other in the name of power.

John Locke was a prominent Enlightenment writer John Locke was a prominent Enlightenment writer. He wrote Two Treatises of Government and Essay on Human Understanding. Believed that people were not born sinful. Believed people were shaped by society and education. All people have natural rights.

Jean Jacques Rousseau & The Social Contract Argues that government should be formed with the consent of the people. People would make their own laws. Baron Montesquieu & The Spirit of Laws Suggested their were three types of political power (ELJ) Powers should be separated to protect the people’s liberty

Voltaire & Candide ”I agree not with what you say, but I will defend unto the death your right to say it” Fought for civil rights: fair trial, freedom of speech, freedom of religion.

While some people moved toward logic and reason, many found their faith deepening in this time period. This new period of religious fervor was known as the Great Awakening. Ministers would hold large revivals to preach and pray. The Great Awakening

1734: a man named Jonathan Edwards helped launch the Great Awakening. Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Argued that people must repent and convert. Emotional preaching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5Cu17 KVjy4

The Great Awakening peaked by 1740. Churches began to spilt. Those embracing the new ideas were typically Baptist, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and Methodists.

In what ways did the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening affect colonial society? Be specific. What were they arguing for or against? Assessment Prompt 3

Enlightenment Philosophers Worksheet Activity