An Emerging Colonial ‘Unity’

Mercantilism: The Colonial Economy Mercantilism is the idea that a nation’s power is derived from its wealth (economy). Colonies were vital to this process because they provided the natural resources and markets that strengthened the mother country’s economy. England, France, and Spain wanted to create self-sufficient colonial systems to increase their power in Europe and the World.

Navigation Acts Laws designed to regulate and protect England’s mercantile empire. All European goods were required to pass through England before reaching colonies. Enumerated goods were shipped directly to England from colonies (tobacco, rice, lumber, etc.). The colonies could not manufacture goods that competed with British goods.

Impact of Navigation Acts Negative Effect on the Colonies Colonies could not develop manufacturing (New England). Low prices and profits for South created debt to English merchants. Writs of Assistance violate colonial rights-search warrants. Positive Benefits for the Colonies Free military aid Guaranteed market and price for colonial goods (monopolies)

Triangle Trade Trade between West Africa, the Americas (North America and the Caribbean), and Europe. Each leg of the trade provided commodities that the other legs needed. Slaves from West Africa brought to the Americas for the cultivation of cash crops and natural resources that were exported to Europe. Europe used these goods to make finished goods that were traded to Africa for slaves. Example: Sugar from Caribbean plantations traded to Europe Europe turned sugar into rum and purchased slaves Slaves sold to Caribbean plantations for the cultivation of sugar.

Triangle Trade (cont.) Slaves were transported across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean and North America through a process called the Middle Passage. Slaves were packed into coffin sized areas below deck and forced to lay in their own filth from three weeks to three months. Many died as a result of these horrific conditions.

Slavery in Colonial America Need for a new, cheap source of labor because of large landholdings. First slaves arrived at Jamestown in 1619 to work on tobacco plantations. Growth of slavery was tied to the growth of thebplantation system In 1690 – 13,000 slaves in the Southern colonies In 1750 – 200,000 slaves in the Southern colonies Around the age of 12, slaves began full-time work, which would continue until their death.

The Great Awakening: A Religious Revival A religious movement that swept both Europe and the colonies during the mid-17th century. Attacked the dry procedural approach of the established churches (Anglican/Congregationalist) in favor of emotion, excitement, and inclusion.

The Great Awakening (cont.) Those who supported this new approach were called ‘new lights’ and those who supported the established churches were called ‘old lights.’ Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield were the most famous ministers of this movement.

Effects of the Movement Brought religion to the lower class and slaves. Led to the rapid growth of evangelical religions (Methodists, Baptists), thus undermining the power of the established church and government order. Laid the foundation for the First Amendment, the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and one of the social foundations of the American Revolution.

The French and Indian War War between rivals England and France (1754 and 1763) over the Ohio River Valley in North America. England was allied with its American colonies, while the French were allied with several Native American tribes. George Washington debuts on the battlefield and is defeated by the French at Fort Duquesne.

Point out differences between colonial powers

Albany Plan Benjamin Franklin suggested a plan of union to unite the colonies in 1754 to raise money, troops, and regulate trade. British and colonial governments reject Albany Plan because they fear power of centralized government. Plan represented precedent for working together for later American Revolution.

The Treaty of Paris, 1763 The English defeated the French and negotiated a favorable peace. The French gave up all its North American colonies. Canada and all land east of the Mississippi to England. All land west of Mississippi to Spain to compensate for loss of Florida to the British. The French would look for an opportunity for revenge-American Revolution.

After the French and Indian War… France was driven out of North America. Proclamation of 1763 prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains. Great Britain did not want to have to pay to defend colonists from Native Americans in unsettled areas. Great Britain increased taxes to cut debt from war.

The French and Indian War: A Major Turning Point for British-Colonial Relations Colonies: United them against a common enemy for the first time. Created resentment towards the British that would only intensify. Proclamation of 1763 aimed at ending expansion west of the Appalachians. Britain: Increased its colonial empire in the Americas. Stationed 10,000 troops in its territory. Contempt for the colonists created bitter feelings. Doubled its national debt.