Chapter five Jonathan Edwards

Summary The British controlled more than the thirteen colonies we are discussing, but of the 13, they shared a common characteristic which would end the control of the British: 1770, British outnumber colonists 20:1 1775, British outnumber colonists 3:1

Population centers States-Virginia, MA, PENN, NC, MD Cities-Philadelphia, NY, Boston, Charleston

Ethnic groups (as of 1790) English and Welsh (66.3%) Scotch (5.6%) German (4.5%) Dutch (2%) Irish (1.6%) French (.4%) Other Whites (.3%) African (19.3%)

Social Pyramid (as of 1775) Aristocrats (planters, merchants, lawyers, officials, clergy) Lesser professional men Yeoman farmers (largest social group) Lesser tradesmen, manual workers, hired hands Indentured servants Slaves

As societies grew, the nature of workaday America had to change as well. The more people there were, the less land available for the would-be farmers. Thus, cities began to grow, trades became more important, and people hired out their services as opposed to those who were self-employed.

The land in America was suited to meet the changing demands Mercantilism –This policy guaranteed the British economic success (as befits the aim of colonialism) as colonials sent raw materials to England for little gain, and purchased finished goods at exorbitant prices.

Main exports –Tobacco –Fish –Lumber Main imports –Textiles –Finished goods (until trades people in colonies increased) Triangular Trade –Rum manufactured in the colonies was traded in Africa –Slaves were traded in exchange for the rum, and sent to the West Indies. –Sugar and molasses were then sent from the West Indies to the colonies in order to make more rum –And so on, and so on, and so…

Smuggling became prominent beginning the late 1600’s as colonists wanted to maximize their profits. Roads were not good, and transportation to harbors were important, so transportation and civilizations centered around the rivers.

Religion The increased amount of Toleration in the colonies led to the importance and success of religions in the colonies However, Puritans were upset with the waning zeal of its church-goers –Due to strict doctrines of the church –Due to the tedious and boredom associated with the sermons. These factors lead to what is called the “Great Awakening.”

Great Awakening Beginnings –The idea of parishioners finding their own path was frightening to church leaders. –Some felt the need to stress the necessity of God’s grace and the folly of thinking good works will save you.

Leader of G.A. Jonathan Edwards –First to ignite passions of people with his stories of the Pathway to Hell –Great theological mind whose sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” was famous for his vivid depictions of God’s wrath and the need for God’s Grace.

George Whitefield –A more polished orator who followed on the heels of Edwards –Dynamism led to imitators taking similar shows—what might be viewed as the beginnings of evangelism in America

Conflict between views Old lights v. New lights –Old lights felt this approach was not pure religion, and something of a sell-out –New lights didn’t care as much about the approach as they did about increasing the number of followers.

Results –New, more competitive churches sprang up –Ignited more missionary activity –New light centers of learning (Dartmouth, Brown, Princeton, Rutgers) were opened –First mass movement of the American people—a sign of unity

Education Prominence in England carried over to NE Idea was to make good Christians whereas today the emphasis is to make good citizens Harvard was the first college, and the others followed its pattern –Teaching doctrine and dogma –Not teaching curiosity and experimentation

Culture Suffered since free time was usually spent on religion and not the arts Standouts were Phyllis Wheatley (poet), and Benjamin Franklin (writer, inventor, scientist)

As for government, colonies were governed by royal governors (except for those with proprietors or elected governors), most had two-tiered legislatures, and the practice of governing developed in different ways (New England: town meetings, South: county seats)