Unit 1: Colonization & Revolution Week 2 – Colonial Ways of Life

How did the colonies develop economically, socially, and politically? Essential Question How did the colonies develop economically, socially, and politically?

Vocabulary Cash Crop Plantations Indentured Servants Gentry Middle Passage Mayflower Compact Town Meetings Triangular Trade Mercantilism Representative governments Natural Rights Salutary neglect

Society New England Puritans promoted an egalitarian society (everyone is equal) but only if you were part of the church. The Puritan church was a central part of life in New England and played a large role in its development The Puritans were the first to promote public education because they believed everyone should be taught to read so they could read the Bible.

Society Cont. Mid-Atlantic Because the area had settlers from other countries as well as religious tolerance (allowing free practice of beliefs) the Mid-Atlantic colonies were the most diverse Due to this diversity and tolerance, the region featured a frontier that was continually pushing west to accommodate a growing population. Wealthy merchants (people who traded goods) formed the upper class of Mid-Atlantic society – the aristocracy.

Society Cont. Southern The Southern colonies had a hierarchal society (different social classes). The most powerful class was known as the gentry (rich plantation owners. They owned the majority of the land. The remaining classes were poor farmers and, at the bottom, slaves and indentured servants. The Southern colonies did not develop as many large cities as New England and the Mid-Atlantic and did not have public education.

Economy New England The economy of the New England colonies relied on the Atlantic Ocean. Shipbuilding, trade, and fishing were key industries. New England farms were small only allowing families to be self-sufficient (subsistence farming).

Economy Cont. Mid-Atlantic The Mid-Atlantic economy was based on farming and commerce. They mostly grew staple crops like wheat and corn. The larger cities had important ports for shipping. Due to waterways, the colonies benefitted from the fur trade and forged an economic relationship with Native Americans.

Economy Cont. Southern The Southern economy relied on large scale agriculture through the plantation system. These plantations used indentured servants and then slaves. They grew cash crops such as tobacco, indigo, and rice. Plentiful waterways allowed crops to be shipped to ports easily and resulted into few large cities.

Politics Colonial Governments Due to the colonies great distance from England, the British adopted a policy known as salutary neglect. This policy allowed settlers in America to become accustomed to independence. As a result the colonies made their own decisions and established their own policies. Most colonist believed in the idea of representative government that was based on a principle that people should have a voice in their government.

Politics Cont. Influence of England’s political ideas The colonists established a representative government modeled after England’s form of government. Important principles from England’s government Government based on the rule of law which means that every member of society must obey the law, even the king. Influential document: Magna Carta – Englishmen had the right to be consulted on levying (charging) of taxes and had rights protected by a jury of their peers. Influential document: English Bill of Rights – Idea that people have the right to be consulted through representatives regarding taxes and that people have a right to religious freedom

Politics Cont. Impact of the Enlightenment Enlightenment Thinker: John Locke believed that people were born with certain natural rights and that no government could take them away. These rights included life, liberty and property. He advocated what is often referred to as the social contract theory.

Politics Cont. Virginia’s House of Burgess: The first example of self-government. Two houses: One elected by the people, and the other appointed by the royal governor. Caused tension between governors who had been appointed to serve the king and legislatures concerned with colonial interests. VA Burgess: started to maintain order in colony and attract new colonists Only property owners voted, developed social elite – limited democracy in region

Politics Cont. Mayflower Compact: New England’s first efforts of self government. Asserted that the government derived its power from the people. New England town meetings: each town sent representatives to court in Boston. Voting members began as only male members of Puritan church, but extended to all male property owners by end of 1700s

Impact Each colonial region developed unique societies and economies based on their geographic location, motivations for settling, and population. & Colonial forms of government were highly influenced by English traditions and colonies were making steps toward self-government.