1. Building a new nation. The road to Independence
The beginnings of British colonization. A few landmarks
The characteristics of the first colonies
The political inheritance. Colonial government in the long view
From Empire to Independence, the emergence of an American culture
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

2. The beginnings of British colonization. A few landmarks
: A first attempt at colonization in present-day NC (the lost colony of Ranoake), Sir Walter Raleigh.
1607: First permanent settlement in present-day Virginia (Jamestown). Captain John Smith.
1620: Second major settlement, Plymouth in present-day Massachusetts).
1630 onward: The puritan “wave” of immigration in present-day New England (Massachusetts)
s : Settlement of the Middle colonies: (New Amsterdam -> 1664)
1650s -> 1700: Settlement of the Southern colonies
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

3. LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

4. Characteristics of the colonies
Which eventually had a strong impact on what happened
In British North American
Capitalistic ventures => wealth based on trade
Inversion of land/labor ratio => Wealth more than land ownership (land abundant) defined social status => greater fluidity (not equality but smaller differences than in Europe
Localism of culture (different subgroups setteld different colonies). Stronger link with GB than with one another (colonial trade) => feeling of being English.
Different status but all based on a British model of governement
A charter
A governor either appointed by the Crown or the owner of the colony
A representative body more or less elected
Impact of European politics on their lives and future
Colonies defined by North and South boundaries. Nothing on the Western side.
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

6. LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

8. The Mayflower Compact, 1620
In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten [41 signers], the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the Faith, etc.
Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.
In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, 1620

11. (Louisiana was then ceded back to France by Spain in 1800,
then sold to the US by France in 1803 – The Louisiana Purchase)

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16.
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf