Unit 1: Chapter 3

Colonial Society

In Europe, land was limited and there was a rigid social hierarchy, so social mobility was difficult. In the colonies, however, land was abundant, so even those who came as indentured servants often became land owners and obtained the right to vote. There was more social mobility in America, based on the belief that each individual could achieve success if they worked hard enough (individualism). This was linked to the idea of democracy. However, class distinctions existed, just not the extent they did in Europe.

Benny Franks Benjamin Franklin is a perfect example of the individualism and social mobility possible in colonial America. He was not born in upper class society. In fact his grandmother was an indentured servant. He became an apprentice in a printing shop, and because of his intelligence and wit was able to rise in status in PA. He built a fortune as a writer, inventor, and scientist. His political ideas made him one of the most respected figures in colonial govt, and he played a pivotal role in the independence movement.

Better than England…. BUT For English colonists, land was the foundation for real wealth. Most landowners were white men. In each colony, a small group of elite, landowning men dominated politics. Chapter 3, Section 2

RELIGION

1 st Great Awakening In the 1730s, the colonies experienced the First Great Awakening. The “Awakening” was a religious movement that featured passionate preaching from evangelists like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitfield. This was partly a response to the Half-Way Covenant of the Puritans. Evangelical preachers encouraged colonists to think for themselves on religious matters. Set precedent for freedom of religion and separation of church and state that would become valued colonial principals and shape the American govt.

Economics

Mercantilism Why did nations like England establish colonies in the 1 st place? One of the main reasons was the theory of mercantilism: countries grew wealthier and maintained their national security by exporting (selling goods to other nations) more goods than they imported (buying goods from other nations). Mercantilism helped countries maintain a favorable balance of trade (export more than they import). To maintain this balance, nations needed colonies for resources and markets.

Mercantilism American colonists began a profitable trans-Atlantic trade in which they shipped many of the colonies’ raw materials to England. In the 1600s, England began passing a series of laws called the Navigation Acts. These laws were based on mercantilism and required the British colonies to sell certain goods only to England. England would then use them or trade them to foreign nations. The few products the colonies could sell to other countries were charged a British tax. Did the colonists like this policy? Would YOU like this policy if you were a merchant in the colonies??

Assessment Under the theory of mercantilism, a country’s balance of trade should show (A)more imports than exports. (B)a balance of imports and exports. (C)more exports than imports. (D)an even number of trades.

Assessment Under the theory of mercantilism, a country’s balance of trade should show (A)more imports than exports. (B)a balance of imports and exports. (C)more exports than imports. (D)an even number of trades.

SLAVERY

The Middle Passage The Middle Passage was one leg of the triangular trade between the Americas, Europe, and Africa. This term also refers to the forced transport of slaves from Africa to the Americas in the Atlantic slave trade. Roughly 10 to 40 percent of Africans on slave trips died in the crossing. Slaves were beaten and had to endure chains; heat; and cramped, unsanitary conditions.

The Atlantic Slave Trade

Slavery in the Colonies Virginia and Maryland Slaves in Virginia and Maryland made up a minority of the population. Few of those slaves came directly from Africa. Slaves had other tasks in addition to growing crops. There was more integration of European American and African American cultures than in South Carolina and Georgia. To save money, slaveowners encouraged slaves to have families. New England and the Middle Colonies There were far fewer slaves in New England and the Middle Colonies than in the South. Slaves had more freedom to choose their occupations. Slaves in this region typically worked as cooks, housekeepers, and personal servants. They also worked as skilled artisans, dockworkers, merchant sailors, fishermen, whalers, privateers, lumberjacks, and in manufacturing. Chapter 3, Section 3 South Carolina and Georgia African Americans made up the majority of the population in South Carolina and more than one third of Georgia’s population. Southern slaves kept their culture alive through their speech, crafts, and music.

Chapter 3, Section 3 Assessment Which term refers to the forced transport of slaves from Africa to the Americas? (A)The Underground Railroad (B)The Northwest Passage (C)Tobacco Row (D)The Middle Passage In which colony did African Americans make up the majority of the population? (A)South Carolina (B)Massachusetts (C)Virginia (D)Georgia

Chapter 3, Section 3 Assessment Which term refers to the forced transport of slaves from Africa to the Americas? (A)The Underground Railroad (B)The Northwest Passage (C)Tobacco Row (D)The Middle Passage In which colony did African Americans make up the majority of the population? (A)South Carolina (B)Massachusetts (C)Virginia (D)Georgia