Building a new nation. The road to Independence The beginnings of British colonization. A few landmarks The characteristics of the first colonies The political inheritance. Colonial government in the long view From Empire to Independence, the emergence of an American culture LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

The beginnings of British colonization. A few landmarks 1587-1590: A first attempt at colonization in present-day NC (the lost colony of Ranoake), Sir Walter Raleigh. 1607: First permanent settlement in present-day Virginia (Jamestown). Captain John Smith. 1620: Second major settlement, Plymouth in present-day Massachusetts). 1630 onward: The puritan “wave” of immigration in present-day New England (Massachusetts) 1614-1670s : Settlement of the Middle colonies: (New Amsterdam -> 1664) 1650s -> 1700: Settlement of the Southern colonies LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

Characteristics of the colonies Which eventually had a strong impact on what happened In British North American Capitalistic ventures => wealth based on trade Inversion of land/labor ratio => Wealth more than land ownership (land abundant) defined social status => greater fluidity (not equality but smaller differences than in Europe Localism of culture (different subgroups setteld different colonies). Stronger link with GB than with one another (colonial trade) => feeling of being English. Different status but all based on a British model of governement A charter A governor either appointed by the Crown or the owner of the colony A representative body more or less elected Impact of European politics on their lives and future Colonies defined by North and South boundaries. Nothing on the Western side. LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

The Mayflower Compact, 1620 In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten [41 signers], the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the Faith, etc. Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, 1620

(Louisiana was then ceded back to France by Spain in 1800, then sold to the US by France in 1803 – The Louisiana Purchase)

LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

http://americanantiquarian.org/earlyamericannewsmedia/exhibits/show/news-in-colonial-america LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

Distribution of wealth in the colonial population, ca 1770 LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

Important points to memorize, explain and be ready to develop Essentially capitalistic ventures coupled with empire building, but designed in an original way. Inversion of the labor/land ratio which had several consequences on the way settlement took place and, later on, on social relations in the future American societies. Strong British inheritance, however a certain amount of local initiative, and impact of specific local cultures (eg the congregationalist spirit in NE). Not “democracy” in the 21st century meaning of the term. The idea of independence was a very late development and the result of European problems : North America was a European “battleground” where all European issues produced effects. LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf