1. Early American Culture

2. Power/Rights Land ownership gave colonists political rights and wealth. Generally, only white male landowners could vote. AKA: the Tighty Whities

3. Women in the Colonies Women were very much a part of the colonial economy.  Could not own land.  Did not have ANY rights.  Farm wives bartered.  Traded services in exchange for services – no money  For example: taking care of a sick child might be paid by receiving a loaf of bread.

4. Women’s Role Responsible for the household. Any $ the wife earned/had belonged to the husband.

5. Children in the Colonies Very large families. Averaged 6 to 8 children. Age 6 boys learned a skill from their father. Apprenticed – sent to learn a skill from a master craftsmen – ex- carpenter Girls learned skills from Mom.

6. Schooling Education was valued. School ended at the age of 7. Taught to read, only to understand the Bible. Only children from wealthy families went beyond reading to study math and writing. – Went to private schools. – Poorer children were taught by Mom or went to dame schools.

7. It was illegal for a slave to be educated! If you control their mind, you control their behind.

9. The Colonists believed they should have the same rights as the Englishmen:  Magna Carta: King could not take away property,  could not tax people unless a council of men agreed,  and could not be put on trial without a witness. Parliament: England’s lawmaking body – model of representative government. Peter Zenger Trial: Freedom of the Press