1. Life in the Colonies
Colonial Music

2. Farm Life 9 out of 10 colonists lived on a farm.
Produced everything they needed themselves.
Fire burning at all times.
Involved many chores and LONG days.

3. Colonial City Life One out of 20 lived in cities.
Waterfront was heart of city.
Market places, taverns, and shops.
Noisy and smelly.
Fire was a HUGE danger.

4. Five Largest Cities in 1790 Rank City 1790 Population 2011 Pop. 1.
New York City, NY
33,131
8,244,910 2.
Philadelphia, PA
28,522
1,536,471 3.
Boston, MA
18,320
625,087 4.
Charleston, SC
16,359
357,704 5.
Baltimore, MD
13,503
619,493
Population data taken from US Census Bureau.

5. Rights of Colonists
Saw themselves as English citizens and expected the same rights—including a voice in the government.
English had gained voice in government per the Magna Carta, the founding of Parliament, and the English Bill of Rights.

6. Crime and Punishment
Each colony had its own laws, but most were similar.
Murder, treason, and piracy were punished with death.
Theft and forgery were punished with jail, whipping, or branding.
Lesser crimes punished with fines or time in stocks.
Puritans were the strictest.

7. Slave Life in America Video
African Americans
Slavery existed throughout the colonies, but more common in South.
Ships sailed to West Africa and exchanged goods for slaves.
Middle Passage was brutal.
Little hope of freedom
Slave Life in America Video

8. Class Differences
England: Determined by families background, title, and wealth.
Colonies: Earned by wealth and success.
Clothes showed social status.
Lower class did not own land and could not vote.
Indentured servants/slaves were at the bottom.

9. Colonial Education Many children received little formal education.
Southern colonies too spread out to provide public education. Rich southerners educated privately.
Middle Colonies educational system was slowed by religious differences.
New England Puritans wanted children to be able to read the bible so they started public schools.
Boys received more education than girls.

10. Religion Important part of colonial life.
All Puritans required to attend church at the meetinghouse. Could last up to 5 hours.
1st Great Awakening: spurred religious feeling that all people were equal under God’s eyes.
Blue Laws: Forbid work or play on Sunday. Must attend Church.

11. Family and Social Life Video Clip
Colonial Families
Generally married in early 20’s.
More men than women.
Families had many children. Expected to help with family work.
Many children died.
People remarried quickly if widowed.
Life focused around family.
Family and Social Life Video Clip

12. Colonial Food Corn: From Native Americans.
Meat from hunting or raising animals had to be treated to keep it from spoiling.
Fruits: Apples, berries, and grapes. Peaches in the South.
Veggies: Squash, beans, peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, turnips, and onions.
Stew was the main meal. Cooked all day to prevent spoiling.

13. Colonial Leisure
“Bees” and “Frolics” were enjoyable ways to share work.
Children had simple toys and games.
Lawnbowling, billiards, and backgammon.
South: Fox hunts, cards, horseracing, cockfighting, and bull baiting.

14. Colonial America Video