1. Beginnings of an American Identity 5-1: Early American Culture

2. Land, Rights, and Wealth Colonial farmers prospered because of the abundance of cheap land and plentiful resources The “upper middle” and “high” classes are most likely to own land Land ownership was the basis for social rank Women held the same rank as their fathers or husbands

3. Women and the Economy Worked as farm wives, bartered goods In cities, women ran inns or other businesses Women had few rights… Could not vote, preach, or hold office Could own property only with permission Everything she had or earned belonged to her husband

4. Young People at Work The apprentice … Left home at 11 to live with and learn from a skilled craftsman received food, clothing, lodging, and general education / training worked for free for 4 to 7 years until contract fulfilled starts own business Young ladies learned from mothers or were sent away to learn special skills

5. Colonial Schooling Main reason schools were started was so that children might read and understand the Bible Children of the wealthy had tutors or attended private schools Poorer children learned from their mothers or attended “Dame Schools” … most finished getting an education by the age of 7

6. Check literacy rates … England – 60% of white men New England – 85% Middle Colonies – 65% Southern Colonies – 50% To prevent revolts or escapes, most colonies outlawed educating slaves Colonial Schooling Some “Dame Schools” accepted girls, but most girls taught by their mothers Best education?

7. Newspapers and Books Colonial publishing industry helps draw colonies closer …. Reading the same books and newspapers Getting the same information / opinions Colonists developing a shared culture

8. Newspapers and Books Ben Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack was known for it’s sayings and advice God helps them that help themselves God helps them that help themselves. Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead. The worst wheel of a cart makes the most noise. Little strokes fell great oaks. Genius without education is like silver in the mine.

9. The Great Awakening  Jonathan Edwards began the Great Awakening with his sermon … Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God  Congregations argued over religious practices and split apart  Colonists were inspired to help others  Encouraged ideas of equality and the right to challenge authority

10. The Enlightenment An intellectual movement that stressed the power of reason and the importance of science for finding the paths to knowledge

11. The Enlightenment Ben Franklin … Devoted life to science and public service Worked constantly on inventions and on improving society John Locke … Government exists to protect people’s natural rights Led colonists to wonder whether the British government protected their rights and freedoms

12. 5-1: Early American Culture The End