Colonial Society on the Eve of the Revolution Chapter 5 American Pageant, 13th ed.

Colonial Revolt England controlled 2/3 of colonial North America Atlantic seaboard colonies were set to revolt…why? 1. Population growth Fertility Forced immigration 16 = average age 90% rural 2. Diversity of people Germans (PA) Scots-Irish (along Appalachians) Africans (South)

Colonial Revolt 3. American self- determination Could come here and rise through social ranks (except slaves) 4. American standard of living Agricultural economy gave Americans the highest standard of living in the world 5. American trade frenzy More products than British could handle, sought other non- British markets; British didn’t like it Molasses Act 1733: No trade to French West Indies

Colonial Revolt 6. Communication between colonists extend Roads, taverns, postal system keeps Americans connected Press goes to work creating pamphlets and newspapers Zenger decision (NY) Freedom of the press Printing truth is not libel 7. Tax-supported churches Anglican & Congregational (Puritans) relied on tax base

Colonial Revolt 8. Americans Great Awakening Religious breaks from old Puritans ideas Arminians (Jacobus Arminius): Individual free will = salvation Jonathon Edwards: good works = salvation George Whitfield uses evangelical approach Bottom line: people get fired up over religious freedom and turn from Puritanism “The road to hell is paved with the skulls of unbaptized children.”~J. Edwards

Colonial Revolt 9. Fervor for self- government People were unhappy with England’s rule and sought direct rule Royal governors sometimes corrupt Town hall meetings gain popularity Colonists used bicameral legislature