1. Colonial Society on the Eve of the Revolution
Chapter 5 American Pageant, 13th ed.

2. Colonial Revolt England controlled 2/3 of colonial North America
Atlantic seaboard colonies were set to revolt…why?
1. Population growth
Fertility
Forced immigration
16 = average age
90% rural
2. Diversity of people
Germans (PA)
Scots-Irish (along Appalachians)
Africans (South)

3. Colonial Revolt 3. American self- determination
Could come here and rise through social ranks (except slaves)
4. American standard of living
Agricultural economy gave Americans the highest standard of living in the world
5. American trade frenzy
More products than British could handle, sought other non- British markets; British didn’t like it
Molasses Act 1733: No trade to French West Indies

4. Colonial Revolt 6. Communication between colonists extend
Roads, taverns, postal system keeps Americans connected
Press goes to work creating pamphlets and newspapers
Zenger decision (NY)
Freedom of the press
Printing truth is not libel
7. Tax-supported churches
Anglican & Congregational (Puritans) relied on tax base

5. Colonial Revolt 8. Americans Great Awakening
Religious breaks from old Puritans ideas
Arminians (Jacobus Arminius): Individual free will = salvation
Jonathon Edwards: good works = salvation
George Whitfield uses evangelical approach
Bottom line: people get fired up over religious freedom and turn from Puritanism
“The road to hell is paved with the skulls of unbaptized children.”~J. Edwards

6. Colonial Revolt 9. Fervor for self- government
People were unhappy with England’s rule and sought direct rule
Royal governors sometimes corrupt
Town hall meetings gain popularity
Colonists used bicameral legislature