Early Colonization and Development of the United States.
North of the New England Colonies lied Quebec. The French founded this colony to set up a fur trade w/ Natives and it provided good military position. While maintaining this colony the French also explored the Mississippi River and named this vast territory Louisiana after King Louis XIV. Later the United States will gain control of this area through the Louisiana purchase.
With Quebec the French influenced colonists and Natives to embrace Catholicism and ally against the English. Later, these two groups fight against the English colonist in the French and Indian War.
Colonies during were characterized by their different sources of food and income. New England had poor farm land and harsh weather conditions making it hard to grow crops. Fishing, shipbuilding, and trade became major industries. The Middle colonies had great soil and weather conditions making it ideal for growing crops. This became know as the bread basket for this time period. Shipping was also a large industry for New York and Pennsylvania. The Southern Colonies such as Virginia and North Carolina became dotted with tobacco farms. In South Carolina and Georgia rice and Indigo were the main cash crops, staple crops (provide bulk of income), and plantations.
Most colonial governments were broken into three categories. The Legislature: This was an extension of what was the British Parliament, and based decisions on common law. The Council: These were members that were appointed by the colonial governor. Usually a governor would reappoint when elected. The Assembly: This was the group that actually took decisions and turned them into legislation.
Between 1607 and 1732, thirteen diverse colonies were established along America’s eastern coast. The British Parliament granted rights and privileges to the charter colonies. These colonies could elect their own governors and members of government. Proprietary Colonies individuals or groups granted land by Great Britain ruled and appointed members. Royal Colonies: colonies that were directly under Great Britain control. The British Parliament appointed the governor and the upper house legislature, which usually followed the orders of the king.
A scientific revolution that swept across Europe in the late 17 th and early 18 th century based on new ways of thinking and reason. Many new ideas in science, math, and on government also branched out of this time period. John Locke’s theory on natural rights people had the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. stated that government should be a social contract with the people.
Benjamin Franklin came from a poor working class family. Franklin had the notion that if he worked hard he could improve himself (individualism) Example of Social Mobility: the ability to move from one social status to another. Franklin would be one of the greatest minds in the 18 th century. He helped develop the lightening rod, and many ideas used in American Government.
Published Poor Richard’s Almanac (satire & wisdom) “A penny saved is a penny earned” Organized Firefighting Club in Philadelphia Bifocal glasses Odometer Idea for Daylight Savings Time
During the 1730’s the colonies experienced what was known as the First Great Awakening. This was a religious movement that featured passionate preaching from evangelists like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitfield and encouraged religious diversification. Many strict religious groups felt the colonies had forsaken God for “dead religion”, and called people back to “sincere Christian commitment”. Whitfield and Edwards would travel around and preach in tents to groups that would come and listen. Some churches felt the preaching was too emotional and offensive. This is the same concept as a tent revival, and is very similar to evangelical Southern Baptist preachers. These preachers also stressed the concept of divine inspiration and communion.
This is where many branches of Protestant churches developed (Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist). Increased church attendance Encouraged people to think for themselves Puritan and Anglican churches are no longer the majority In response to Half-Way Covenant Led to freedom of religion and separation of church and state