Socials 9 The Thirteen Colonies
Why did British Settlers go to the 13 Colonies? Produce raw materials that would add to the wealth of Great Britain Gain religious or political freedom
13 Colonies Settlement began early 1600s 1775 New France: pop Colonies: pop. 2.5 million!
Three Groups New England Settlers from England and Scotland Religious beliefs not accepted in England Economy: wheat farming, trade with Caribbean islands Many seaport towns Cities: Boston
Three Groups The Middle Colonies Settled by Dutch, Swedes, English, Germans, Scots, Irish, etc. “breadbasket”= most were farmers Crops sold to Britain and West Indies Cities: New York, Philadelphia
Three Groups The Southern Colonies Settlers from England, Scottland, France, Germany Tabacco, sugar, rice farms = plantations (owned by small powerful group) Slavery Cities: Charleston, Baltimore
Government Two levels: Community: local affairs Colonial: provincial issues
Community Government Town meetings All free adult males could participate Participatory democracy Elected town officers administered and enforced the laws – they did not make them!
Representative Government: Citizens elect people who represent them in their Legislative Assembly (decision-making body). Every individual has a voice in government, but only a small group actually makes the decisions. (p92)
Colonial Government First representative assembly in N.A. = the House of Burgesses (Williamsburg, Virginia) Governor invited each community to send two representatives Could pass laws, but couldn’t go against Britain’s laws Governor could VETO laws
Colonial Government Structure Governor – appointed by the king Council – helped the governor, also appointed Representative Assembly – made the laws, controlled how money was spent
Voting Only free adult males and women who owned property could vote for their representatives Slaves, most women, men without property of a certain size/did not pay enough taxes/did not have enough income couldn’t vote
For Your Notes: Please copy the “Colonial Government” chart on page 93 into your notes.