PATTERN OF SOCIETY
1 st plantations emerged in early settlements of Virginia and Maryland. Death was an everyday occurrence due to the hard working conditions. Great land owners controlled farmers working on small farms. The planters dominated the southern agrarian economy.
Over ¾ of all blacks lived on plantations of at least 10 slaves; nearly half lived in communities of 50 slaves or more. Any family member could be sold at any time to another plantation. Black women were subject to usually sexual advances. On occasion slaves were able to buy their freedom.
Only adult males were permitted to participate in meetings. The English system of primogeniture- the passing of all inherited property to the firstborn son- did not take root in New England. Groups of younger residents began breaking away and moving else where to form towns of their own where land was more plentiful.
Hysteria in the 1680’s and 1960’s over witchcraft in New England outbreak happened in Salem. Witchcraft that was accused against the west Indian servants turned into voodoo. The witchcraft controversies were a reflection of the highly religious character of these societies. Middle- age women with few to no children were commonly accused of witchcraft.
Colonial communities were slightly bigger than a small town. Philly and New York were the biggest cities. 18 th century = no cities When printers were invented they started making news papers and books.