The Colonial Economy and the Colonial Wars

Summary... Two different cultural centers: – New England – Chesapeake Bay Broad participation in government. Basic concept of “English liberties.” Little or no tolerance. Conditions improve in the South. Conditions appear to deteriorate in New England.

The Imperial Economic System

Basic principles... No understanding of modern capitalism. “Fair price.” Government supported (dictated) monopolies. Major elements of the colonial economy: – agriculture – commerce – limited manufacturing rum ships

The “Triangle Trade”

The “Triangle Trade” Timber Skins Rum Food Tobacco Naval stores Fish Rice Sugar Molasses Slaves Manufactured Goods Deer hides

Closed Economic Systems

The “Colonial Wars” French Spanish English Indians

English colonial military organization English colonies in North America primarily civilian. Mercenary military advisors. Miles Standish John Smith Settlers bring traditional concept of militia Universal military obligation, Settlers also bring fear of standing army.

The “American Way of War” English vs. Indians “Civilization” vs. “Savagery” English colonists in North America: Highly ethnocentric A long way from England A naturally violent society (Thirty Years’ War) Defeat = annihilation Pequot War a good example.

The “American Way of War” English vs. Indians Technology actually not that important. – Bows more accurate and dependable – Firearms only more impressive Key factors: – Objective (annihilation) Coordination Discipline – Use of Indian allies – Economic domination of Indian culture

The “Colonial Wars” King William’s War Queen Anne’s War King George’s War French and Indian War War of the League of Augsburg War of the Spanish Succession War of the Austrian Succession Seven Years’ War

New York City Albany Ticonderoga French, British, US, British, Crown Point French, 1730’s-1759 British,

New York City Albany Ticonderoga French, British, US, British, Crown Point French, 1730’s-1759 British, Iroquois Confederation French

New York City Albany Ticonderoga French, British, US, British, Crown Point French, 1730’s-1759 British, Iroquois Confederation French

Characteristics of Colonial military service and operations: Few British Regulars in the colonies Militia used primarily for immediate local defense (frontier). Wartime operations conducted by: Deployed Regular forces Colonial volunteers Indians allies

Militia Regulars Colonial Volunteers Indians British Command

Militia British Command

What Americans “learned”... Military service = $$ British soldiers are scum British officers are stupid and arrogant American ways of fighting are superior American-British military contact sows seeds of rebellion. Militia an important concept, but others fight.

Seven Years’ War aka: “French and Indian War” “The Great War for Empire” Starts in North America instead of Europe. Virginia opposition to French presence in Ohio Valley. Major George Washington sent to warn French off.

“Braddock’s Defeat” Fort Duquesne Virginia

“Braddock’s Defeat” Main Body Advance Guard British French

“Braddock’s Defeat” Main Body Advance Guard British French

“Braddock’s Defeat” Main Body Advance Guard British French

“Braddock’s Defeat” duh ?

“Braddock’s Defeat” duh ?

“Braddock’s Defeat”

“Braddock’s Defeat”

Remnants of Advance Guard Main Body

“Braddock’s Defeat” “???”

“Braddock’s Defeat”

Lessons of “Braddock’s Defeat” American colonials: British are stupid. They don’t understand how to fight here. In reality: Tactical mistake by commander of the advanced guard.

The Seven Years’ War Fought in Europe as well as North America. Same as previous wars except Britain not doing too well... until William Pitt become Prime Minister. – understand this is a war for empire, – raises more $$$, – focus shifts to North America.

What Americans “learned”... Military service = $$ British soldiers are scum British officers are stupid and arrogant American ways of fighting are superior American-British military contact sows seeds of rebellion. Militia an important concept, but others fight. These “military” lessons will morph into social and political lessons.