Our “Foregrandfathers” ( foregrandparents would be more politically correct:) Chapter 1, Sections 3&4

Early Colonial Period Colonists brought Eur. ways w/ them. –Christian … mostly Protestant –Democratic … see study sheet –Capitalist … property ownership / merchant class was powerful. Supported by rule of law.

Early Colonial Period (cont.) Regions developed differently –North (New England) = industrial and “trade oriented” –Middle = “staple oriented” –South = agricultural (cash crops)

Early Colonial Period (cont.) Society was stratified –Slavery existed in all colonies, laying the seeds for discrimination later –Women had 2 nd class status –Immigrants had to “earn respect”

Enlightenment & Great Awakening Enl. encouraged indep. thought and reason/logic – question “the authorities” –Ben Franklin and science –T. Jefferson and political dissent G.A. encouraged faith but not necessarily through the established churches –Baptists and Methodists gained popularity

Effects of the E. and G.A. ? traditional authority The indiv. is important “led the colonists to question Britain’s authority over their lives”

Colonial Conflicts The French and Indian War

Different Intentions The British “colonized” the Americas –Settled the land; established dominance in the region. The French “exploited” the Americas –Traded goods; set up forts; looked at as business opportunity.

Old Enemies Clash Fought over land in Ohio River Valley –Rich farm land, rivers for transport, and fur-trade opportunities make it worth fighting for. Britain/colonists defeat the French after 7 years

“To the victor go the spoils” British/colonists gain all N. American lands east of Miss. River. (See page 38)page Natives lose too. Settlers pour over the Appalachians in search of fertile land and new opportunities. Chief Pontiac organizes thousands of natives to resist the “intrusion”.

Proclamation of 1763 leaves colonists bitter Because war with natives like Pontiac are costly, British gov. says, “No settlement west of the Appal. Mtns.” and “Those of you already there have to come back!” Colonists disagree and do not obey the law.