Colonial Life Political Life in the Colonies

Colonial System What was the purpose of the colonies for Britain? Mercantilism –nation’s power related to its wealth (economic subordination of colonies to mother country) What was the purpose of the colonies for Britain? Mercantilism –nation’s power related to its wealth (economic subordination of colonies to mother country)

Colonial System Balance of Trade – amount of goods sold compared to amount bought Balance of Trade – amount of goods sold compared to amount bought (favorable balance means selling more than buying) (favorable balance means selling more than buying)

Why do you think colonies were upset about mercantilism? Why do you think colonies were upset about mercantilism?

How it Worked Britain needed raw materials from colonies Britain needed raw materials from colonies They would produce goods They would produce goods Goods would be sold to other nations (including colonies) Goods would be sold to other nations (including colonies)

Navigation Acts Colonists’ pursuit of foreign markets a threat Colonists’ pursuit of foreign markets a threat Laws restricting colonial trade passed by Parliament Laws restricting colonial trade passed by Parliament Made colonies subordinate Made colonies subordinate

This explosion in smuggling didn’t sit well with England, especially with King Charles II.

Navigation Acts Good for England (Jobs for dockworkers, taxes) Good for England (Jobs for dockworkers, taxes) Good for the Colonies (colonial shipbuilding) Good for the Colonies (colonial shipbuilding)

1684 – Crackdown in Massachusetts Merchants smuggled goods Merchants smuggled goods Puritans said charter didn’t require them to obey Parliament Puritans said charter didn’t require them to obey Parliament Charter was revoked Charter was revoked

Dominion of New England King James created D.O.N.E. - Southern ME to NJ under British rule King James created D.O.N.E. - Southern ME to NJ under British rule Sir Edmund Andros governor, disliked colonists Sir Edmund Andros governor, disliked colonists

Andros’ Policies: Questioned lawfulness of Puritan religion Questioned lawfulness of Puritan religion Levied taxes Levied taxes Restricted assemblies Restricted assemblies Prosecuted smugglers Prosecuted smugglers

The Glorious Revolution English didn’t like King James because he was Catholic, didn’t respect Parliament English didn’t like King James because he was Catholic, didn’t respect Parliament Parliament invited William of Orange of Holland & his wife Mary – James’ daughter – to take the throne, King fled Parliament invited William of Orange of Holland & his wife Mary – James’ daughter – to take the throne, King fled

1689 – Parliament established its power over monarchy 1689 – Parliament established its power over monarchy Colonists arrested Andros & his advisors Colonists arrested Andros & his advisors charter restored charter restored King appoints governor, religious toleration, non- Puritan reps in assembly King appoints governor, religious toleration, non- Puritan reps in assembly

Navigation Acts Strengthened Smuggling trials moved to English courts Smuggling trials moved to English courts Created Board of Trade to monitor colonial trade Created Board of Trade to monitor colonial trade Relaxed enforcement of most restrictions in return for loyalty Relaxed enforcement of most restrictions in return for loyalty

Taste for Self Government Colonists had elected local assemblies Colonists had elected local assemblies Governors not that powerful Governors not that powerful Could appoint & dismiss judges, disband assembly, oversee trade but assembly paid their salary Could appoint & dismiss judges, disband assembly, oversee trade but assembly paid their salary Enter into period of “salutary neglect” – loosen control in return for loyalty Enter into period of “salutary neglect” – loosen control in return for loyalty