Mercantilism Middle Passage Social Mobility The Great Awakening

 Mercantilism – economic system where nations try to increase their wealth by establishing a favorable balance of trade. Export more than you import  To maintain this balance, nations needed colonies for additional resources.  This ensured they gain wealth and export more than they import.

 Trip across the Atlantic bringing African slaves to the colonies in the Americas  The Middle Passage became very profitable for European and African slave traders.  Africans were forced to live in cramped quarters aboard slave ships and many died before reaching their destination due to poor sanitation and disease. (2/10)  60% Caribbean, 35% South America, 5% North America

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 African slaves came from many different backgrounds and cultures.  Had different religious beliefs, spoke different languages, etc.  The mixing of these cultures created a new African – American culture. Foods – okra, yams, grits, are some examples of the blending of cultures.

 Eventually slaves adopted the common language of their masters, as well as the Christian religion - mixing it with their own religious traditions.  Some places have a blend of these languages, such as Creole

 During this time France was one of England’s largest rivals – both competing to expand their empires.  Because of this England decided to concentrate their resources towards this goal rather than enforce its colonial laws.  Salutary Neglect – as long as the colonies continued their economic loyalty, England would not supervise the colonies closely

 This neglect led to increased self-government and self dependency for the colonies.  Just about in every colony the governor held the highest authority and was appointed by the king. But it was the colonial assemblies that paid the governor. Thus using this to their advantage in a variety of ways

 England gained much wealth through her colonies in America – it was both a source of raw materials and a market for their goods.  However, Colonial merchants would trade with other nations to increase their wealth.  England saw this as an economic threat and therefore passed the Navigation Acts

 Laws that required colonial merchants to land in England first, and sell certain goods only to England. (pg 68)  England would then use these goods to trade to foreign nations.  Colonists did not like these policies and protested because they could make more money selling directly to other nations.  This led many to become smugglers.

Social Mobility  Social Mobility in Europe was very limited. You were generally stuck in the social class you were born into.  In the colonies, however, there was an abundance of land. Allowing those who came over with little to no money a chance to own property and gain the right to vote.  This led to individualism.

Individualism  Belief that if you work hard and apply yourself, you can advance in economic status.  This led to the idea of universal suffrage  A wider range of people becoming more involved in government, rather than just the ruling upper class.

Benjamin Franklin  A candle makers son, quit school at the age of 10  Ran away to Philadelphia and became an apprentice in his brothers print shop  Eventually started his own print shop

 He made his fortune as a writer, inventor, and scientist.  Due to his intelligence, wit, and his ability to communicate his opinions and ideas, he rose significantly in status and prestige.  Along with his political career, Franklin became one of the most respected figures in colonial America.  #synopsis #synopsis

 As more and more people came over, religious expression became increasingly diverse.  With the increase of economy and social mobility, people were focusing more on material things.  Ministers were starting to believe that many in the colonies had forsaken God.  They also wanted people to have a more emotional connection.  Stressed the importance of a personal study of the Bible

Jonathan Edwards  Edwards was a key figure in the Great Awakening. Church attendance was not enough  People must acknowledge their sins and feel Gods love.  Used passionate and emotional preaching Sovereignty of God, the depravity of humans, the immanent danger of hell, as well as the need for a New Birth conversion. Most famous sermon – “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

Effects of Great Awakening & Enlightenment 1. Encouraged colonists to think for themselves 2. Ensure principles of freedom of religion and separation of church and state. 3. Caused people to question traditional authority 4. Further stressed the importance of the individual. 5. Helped pave the way for the American Revolution. a) Great Awakening helped pull colonist away from the Church of England… helped pave the way to pull away from the govt. too