1. Colonial Society in the 18th Century

2. Population Growth
European immigrants continued to come form Great Britain as well as German, Scot-Irish, Huguenots, Dutch, and Swedes
Diversity in the colonies was growing quickly
Africans made up the largest portion of the population of non-English speaking people—90% lived in the south as slaves

3. Colonial Families Men Women Center and figure head Primary Land owners
Unlimited power
Average had 8 children
Educators within the household
Cooking, cleaning, clothes- making, and medical care
Worked along side husband

4. The Economy
Successful focus in the colonies was based upon work which allowed for social mobility and lack an inherited aristocracy.
New England: Logging, shipbuilding, fishing, trading, rum-distilling, and subsistence farming
Middle Colonies: Small manufacturing and small scale farming (under 200 acres)
Southern Colonies: Cash crop and self-sufficient plantations

5. Religion Protestant Denominations most popular
Anglicans or those who followed the Church of England tended to be farmers and merchants and was seen as a symbol of English control
Congregationalists were the successors to the Puritans saw the church as the ultimate authority

6. Great Awakening Strong movement of religious feeling and expression
Jonathan Edwards: Congregational Reverend initiated the movement in Massachusetts
George Whitefield traveled the colonies giving passionate sermons
Caused political and religious divisions

7. Education
New England: Emphasis on the Bible and first tax supported schools—primary schools were required in towns with over 50 families
Middle Colonies: Church supported or privately funded—teachers often lived with students
Southern Colonies: Parents educated children themselves or with tutors—focus on the family
Higher Education grew with the Great Awakening

8. Growth of National Characteristics
Newspapers grew rapidly and were distributed weekly
Ran the risk of being accused of libel
Zenger case gives first ideas of freedom of the press
National Character Emerged
Politics and limited government
Voting
People seeking to improve their lives