Chapter 3 Society & Culture in Colonial America I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts. – John Locke

Racial Composition of Colonial Society Primarily English Germans: 6% Scots-Irish: 7% Other Europeans: 5% (French Huguenots, Welsh, Swedes, Jews, Swiss, Dutch) Africans: 25% (90% of slaves in South)

Birth & Death After initial hardships, population expanded in New England & Middle Colonies life spans increased (10 years more than in England) Why? Climate, disease-free environment, clean water

Southern Colonies life expectancy: 40 1 in 4 children died in infancy; ½ before age of 20 Why? Disease, salt-contaminated water

Population Comparisons: New England v. the Chesapeake

Women in Colonial Society New England Family structure was stable Fathers controlled household Women married early & had an average of 6 children Women were important to the agricultural economy

Women in Colonial Society Southern Colonies Women had greater freedom and power because they outlived husbands (this position changed when families became more stable) Women had an average of 8 children Childbirth was a frequent cause of death

Colonial Economy 90% of population involved in agriculture Cash crops in South Food crops in Middle colonies Fishing also important – major industry in New England Stimulated shipbuilding industry Trade & Commerce

Triangular Trade 1.

Rise of Consumerism Began to associate possessions with social status People wanted their neighbors to know they were in the upper classes of society Former luxuries became necessities when they were easier to obtain (tea, linens, furniture, glassware) 1.

New Forms of Community: The Plantation Characteristics self-contained communities Most were small estates Led to a highly stratified society in the south- controlled by large landowners Slavery impacted the culture & economy- slaves developed own culture (language, religion, etc.)

Plantations cont. Stono Rebellion (1739) South Carolina slave revolt 100 Africans revolted & killed several whites, tried to escape to Florida Uprising was crushed, participants executed Increased Southern fear of blacks

New Forms of Community: Puritan Community Town was the social unit Structured around the “common” – central pasture shared by residents Very tight knit communities Town meetings held yearly to decide important issues

New Forms of Community: Cities Largest in 1770s: Philadelphia, NYC, Boston, Charles Town Trading centers for farmers & for int’l trade Makeup: merchants, tradesmen, workers, poor

Cities cont. Social distinctions were real & distinct Centers of Industry Problems: crime, pollution, epidemics Established elaborate govts Places were new ideas could circulate 1.

Religion 2 tax supported churches Anglican (Church of England) Official church in GA, NC, SC, VA, MD Symbol of the King Congregational Grew out of Puritan Church In New England (except RI)

The Great Awakening Religious revival movement begun in MA Preached a stricter form of spirituality Jonathan Edwards & George Whitefield

Caused a rift between “New Lights” & “Old Lights” Some sects grew, others lost members Increased religious diversity 1.

The Enlightenment Came to America in early 18th century Stressed importance of science & human reason Suggested people had substantial control over their own lives Encouraged new emphasis on education 1.

Education Interest was greatest in New England Diffuse population made education difficult to establish in Southern colonies Middle colonies: schools were church-sponsored Colleges: to educate ministers

Newspapers 40 existed before Revolution News was not timely Important tools to air colonial complaints & strengthen opposition to British control

Zenger Case (1735) John Peter Zenger: NY editor & publisher Charged with seditious libel for criticizing NY’s royal governor English common law: injuring a governor’s reputation was considered a criminal act – even if statement was true! Jury voted to acquit Leads to a braver press

Government Governor Selection 8 appointed by King 3 selected by proprietors (MD, PA, DE) 2 elected (CT & RI) 1.

Government cont. Bicameral legislature Upper House: mostly appointed Lower House: elected by people Had power to tax & paid governor’s salary Voting Qualifications: religious &/or property requirements More democratic than England 1.

Salem Witchcraft Trials