1. 3 November 2014
Do now: If you could, how would you change America’s education system? You don’t need to write it down, but you’ll need to volunteer a response if called upon.`
Today, explain the struggles that Africans underwent to maintain their cultural identity while being enslaved; explain how the Great Awakening impacted the colonies and how the education of children varied greatly depending upon their location.

2. African Culture
Africans were able to maintain more of their cultural identity in areas where they interacted less with whites (example South Carolina, which is the largest slaveholding colony)
Gullah (combination of English and Bantu languages)
In some areas slaves would become skilled laborers and be able to purchase their freedom (rather uncommon after 1800)
Africans living in the Middle and New England colonies were greatly outnumbered and would often live in cities (Philly, New York, and Newport)

3. Great Awakening
Yes, ppl. were becoming even more spiritual (if that’s possible)
Examine the life you’re living: “Are you going to hell?!? [We are all], “sinners in the hands of an angry God”
Edwards and Whitefield (old school evangelists).
Led to a democratic movement within the church that spread to politics (challenge authority when liberties are at stake)

4. Edumaction (obviously this person had little)
Compulsory (mandatory education doesn’t start until 1918)
New England (ppl live closer together), public schools (1637) first tax based school Deham, MA.
By 1647, all parents must teach their children to read and write and understand the principles of religion (sounds rather Puritanical to me).
Schools were free to attend and paid for by taxes.
1 room schoolhouse (all children and all grade-levels)

5. Middle Colonies
Population is a little more spread out, thus private schools were created. Parents would send their children for the week to attend and pay private tuition (obviously not for everyone).

6. Southern Colonies Population extraordinarily spread out.
Wealthy plantation owners would hire private tutors to live on the grounds and teach their children.
Only few people in society could afford a formal education, thus ill-literacy was highest in the Southern Colonies.

7. Other forms of education
Apprenticeships: Younger ppl. would often spend yrs. observing and studying under a master (professional) without a given trade or craft. This would occur without pay.
Dame Schools: Were private schools run by local females with the purpose of teaching girls how to act as ladies.

8. Culture and Information
Cities such as NYC and Philly, became cultural centers b/c of their location and success in trade. (cultural diffusion)
Information would spread via newspaper.
Clashes took place over freedom of the press (John Peter Zenger)
Arrested and put on trial for libel (writing lies about a person) In reality he was just criticizing the governor of NY. Not libel if the stories are true.

9. Travel Will Improve
As travel improves so will the speed of information from one colony to another (this will become important in the Revolutionary period).
Colonists set up a postal system, but it’s really slow.
Taverns will become a place where ppl will gather to gossip and spread news from other colonies (Also important in the Rev. Period).