Economy of the Colonies Did the English Treat the Colonists as Children?

Mercantilism Policy following by European countries where they gained wealth by exporting more than they imported. Colonies provided raw materials to mother country Colonies bought finished goods from mother country Mercantilism benefits the mother country by severely restricting trade.

Navigation Acts: 1651-1673 Laws passed to make mercantilism work and to control colonial trade. Only English or English colonial ships could carry cargo between imperial ports. Certain goods, including tobacco, rice, and furs, could not be shipped to foreign nations except through England or Scotland. The English Parliament would pay “bounties” to Americans who produced certain raw goods, while raising protectionist tariffs on the same goods produced in other nations. Americans could not compete with English manufacturers in large-scale manufacturing.

Salutary Neglect Trade restrictions lead to smuggling. Eventually England develops a policy of Salutary Neglect to keep Colonists Loyalty. Concern over French presence in North America. Salutary Neglect: Trade laws not enforced.

Making a Living in New England Practiced only subsistence farming due to harsh climate and poor land. Raised enough for your family. Fishing an important occupation, some did whaling. Timber abundance encouraged shipbuilding. Triangular Trade Routes: New England to West Indies to Back to New England and then to West Africa. Women often became merchants while husbands at sea. Economy is oriented toward the sea

Triangular Trade Profitable for New England ship builders and tradesman Spurred rise in Slave Trade Increased merchant population, forming class wealthy elites that dominate trade and policies in Colonies.

Triangular Trade Routes

Southern Colonies

Cash Crop A crop raised and to be sold for a profit. Examples: Tobacco, Rice, Indigo

Plantation large farms along the coastal waters of Virginia.

Virginia Tobacco cultivation encouraged expansion Crop demanded large areas of farmland and quickly depleted the soil Starting in 1617 individuals could own land Headright policy: 50 acres of land and then additional 50 acres for every adult family member or servant Recurring problem in Virginia: Labor Headright system couldn’t provide adequate labor needs 1619 Dutch brought the first blacks to Virginia By 1664 some southern colonies declared slavery hereditary Only large cities are seaports

Summary of the Southern Colonies Agriculturally based society, with little manufacturing Limited number of large cities or towns. Plantations take their place More pronounced social strata than New England or Middle Colonies “Live and let live” attitude toward religion Dominated by slave labor Introduces representative government to the colonies Introduces slavery to the colonies Colonists gained political confidence and status through land ownership See precedent of rebellion against a non-responsive government

Overview of the Middle Colonies Religious Tolerance: welcomed Christians of all beliefs. No one dominant denomination Became the “Bread Basket” of the colonies…wheat the main crop Ethnically diverse… Polish, French, English, Dutch, and German peoples. Fewer conflicts with Native Americans than other colonies

Vocabulary Tolerant: open minded Apprentice: a trainee who is learning to become a master craft worker Huguenots: a term for French Protestants who settle in Middle Colonies

Economy of the Middle Colonies Exported grains, beef and pork Merchant class develops in large cities Small craft industries: wove linen, thread and knit wool Artisans: iron makers, tailors, glassblowers, silversmiths Sawmills, lumber Small shops which sold goods: hats, tea, books

Growth of Major Cities Philadelphia Major center for shipping exports Larger than most cities in Great Britain 1760 23,000 plus people Emerged as an intellectual center largely because of Benjamin Franklin New York City Major port city 1750 15,000 people Baltimore Major Port City 1750 7000 people Major wheat export center