Colonial Political Structure, Population, Great Awakening Chapter 5

Objective #1 Describe the demographic, economic and social structure of 18th century colonies.

Objective #2 Identify the major religious denominations of the 18th century colonies and indicate their role in early American society.

Objective #3 Explain the causes of the Great Awakening and describe its impact on America.

Objective #4 Describe the development of education, culture and journalism in the colonies.

Objective #5 Describe the basic features of colonial politics, including the roles of various official and informal political institutions.

18th Century colonial local government Religious authority declining God-given authority of monarch declining in colonies Enlightenment: Stable govt needed to balance interests of monarchy, aristocracy and democracy Stable political system is wanted

Types of colonies

Bi-cameral legislature Council Made up of wealthy men Appointed by Governor or King Similar to House of Lords Not hereditary Served as highest court Assembly Usually made up of wealthy men Elected by white male landowners Similar to House of Commons Represented people Decisions must be approved by Council or Governor Governor could dissolve

Importance of Land ownership Needed to vote (Mass. Changed from church membership in 1691) Participation = 40% nationwide (50-75% of free males) Anyone could badger, protest, abuse leaders People in power had little protection

Assemblies gain more power 18th c.- assemblies challenge power of governors (corruption) Turning point: 18th c. assemblies gain power of the purse Not a true democracy, but much more democratic than England

Immigration Pattern Change Emigration from England slows by end of 17th c. –Population stood at approximately 300,000 Majority of immigrants in 18th century, other then England, were from Africa (“forced immigrants”), Germany and Ireland By 1775: 2.5 million colonists (800% increase from 1700) –Black population grew from 28,000 in 1701 to 500,000 in 1775 (20% of the colonial population)

Immigration continued 1/5 of the population were slaves by 1775 Higher birth rates and lower death rates by actually the biggest reason for pop. Growth Average age of colonist: 16 (1775) Ratio of English citizens (to non-English) fell from 20:1 (1700) to 3:1 (1775)

Areas of growth New England tripled in pop ( ) Chesapeake (400%) South (400%) Chart on page 88 Mid-Atlantic (then Chesapeake) colonies were the most diverse 10% of population lived in urban area Non-English had no loyalty to England

More immigration change 17th c. immigrants: upper to middle class 18th c. immigrants: poor farmers, slaves, some indentured servants

Problem with trade with England England’s population is stagnant in 18th c. As colonial economy grows, look at foreign markets England limited manufacturing of goods that would result in direct competition –No: Textiles –Yes: Rum, tobacco, rum Britain moves to stop foreign competition through taxation--will contribute to Revolution

Sectional religious differences New England (except Rhode Island): Puritans/Congregationalists South: Anglican Backcountry: Catholic Mid-Atlantic, Chesapeake: German Mennonites, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Baptists, Quakers, Anglican

18th c. Churches 2/3 of people did not attend church Churches and ministers unavailable in some areas Improved economics and Enlightenment meant people working for money Catholics, Jews, non-believers: could not vote or hold office

Great Awakening ( ) Religious movement Challenged old sources of authority, doctrines, denominations

Jonathan Edwards Preacher who tried to “move” audience Revivals in North Fiery sermons on evils of hell Very emotional God angry with sinfullness Ripped salvation through good works

George Whitefield More national than Edwards Spoke to middle and working classes Lay exhorting Religion should be more individual Made enemies out of organized religion Many converted to Baptist and other “more open” sects

Impact of Great Awakening Increase in missionary work Rise of Baptists (especially in South--not necessarily plantation owners) Grasped by the poor Promoted equality of denominations Increase in belief of separation of church and state Skepticism of authority grows First spontaneous mass movement of American people