Life In The ThirteenEnglishColonies

Economy

Mercantilism As trade increased in the 1700’s, England began to take a new interest in its colonies. Mercantilism: Economic theory stating that a nation became strong by keeping strict control over its trade. Emphasis on exports (goods sent out of an area) over imports (goods brought in). England believed that its colonies should benefit the home country. “Whosoever commands the trade of the world commands the riches of the world.”

The Navigation Acts Many colonists resented the laws which favored English. 1650’s Regulated trade between England and its colonies. Purpose was to ensure that only England benefited from colonial trade: 1. Only colonial or English ships could carry goods to and from the colonies. 2. Certain products (tobacco, cotton) could only be shipped to England. Encouraged shipbuilding in New England. Guaranteed market in England for colonial goods.

The Triangular Trade Molasses → Rum → Slaves New England merchants called Yankees. (implied they were clever & hardworking) Leg 1: New England to West Indies (and back) Yankees sell fish, lumber, & other goods. Yankees buy molasses and sugar. Colonists used molasses and sugar to make rum. Leg 2: New England to West Africa Yankees sell rum, guns, gunpowder, etc. Yankees buy slaves. Leg 3: West Africa to West Indies Yankees sell enslaved Africans. Yankees buy more molasses.

Colonial Government

Structure Governor: Directed colony’s affairs and enforced laws. Most were appointed. Legislature: Group of people who have power to make laws. - Upper house: Advisers appointed by the governor. - Lower house: An elected assembly. Approved laws, protected citizens’ rights. “Power of the purse” - Right to raise or spend money (taxes). Right to vote: WhiteMaleChristian21 years-oldProperty owner

The Glorious Revolution In return, William and Mary signed the English Bill of Rights in Parliament removed King James II. Parliament appointed William and Mary of the Netherlands to rule.

English Bill of Rights English Bill of Rights (1689) 1. Protected the rights of English citizens. 2. Gave English citizens accused of a crime the right to a trial by jury. 3. Ruler could not raise taxes without Parliament approval. 4. Ruler could not raise an army without Parliament approval. Bill of Rights: A written list of freedoms the government promises to protect.

Limits on Liberties Women: 1. Fathers or husbands were supposed to protect them. 2. Unmarried women had more rights than married. Africans Native Americans

Colonial Society

Class System 3. Indentured servants and slaves. Indentured servants signed contracts to work without wages for a period of four to seven years for anyone who would pay their ocean passage to the Americas. - When their term was completed, received freedom dues: set of clothes, tools, and 50 acres of land. Class system: Social status determined by birth and wealth. 1.Gentry: Wealthy planters, merchants, ministers, etc. 2.Middle class: Farmers, skilled craftsworkers, tradespeople. - Nearly ¾ of all white colonists.

The Great Awakening Emotional Christian movement led by powerful preachers. Jonathan Edwards: New England preacher who helped set off the Great Awakening. George Whitefield: English minister and energetic preacher who drew crowds to outdoor meetings. Argued that formal training was less important than a heart filled with the holy spirit. 1730’s and 1740’s

Education Among the colonists, New Englanders were most concerned about education. Puritans taught that all people had a duty to study the Bible. New England: First public schools (supported by taxes) Middle Colonies: Private schools (pupils paid to attend) Southern Colonies: Tutors (private teachers) or study abroad (England) Apprentices: Worked for a master to learn a trade or a craft.

The Enlightenment The light of human reason. Reason and scientific methods versus superstition to study society and understand the world. John Locke: Knowledge gained by observing and experimenting. Benjamin Franklin: Citizen of the World