History Midterm Studyguide

Social Classes

Upper class merchants- economic growth and started to control politics and society. Elite group- had to do with trading firms in London. Slave run plantations were selling tobacco and rice to make a profit and slave owners got rich off of the labor of the slaves. Upper class- lived a lavish lifestyle. Colonial elite- rulers of proprietary colonies.

Seven Years War

Was a war for a balance of Global power that was fought in Britain and was won by the British. As a result warfare became more expensive and France suffered a financial crisis which would lead to the French revolution. Previously ceded colonies were either given back or were exchanged for other goods.

What events in England and Europe?

Glorious Revolution, English Bill of Rights, and the Dominion of New England. 

Glorious Revolution

established parliamentary supremacy once and for all and secured the protestant succession to the Throne. 

English Bill of Rights

Listed parliamentary powers such as control over taxation as well as rights of individuals, including trial by jury.

Dominion of New England

James Charles was seen as an enemy to freedom. Combination of different colonies into one single super colony. This included plymouth, new England, New hampshire, etc. Governments reestablished these colonies after they took back over. 

Church in Massachusetts?

A minority group of puritans became separates abandoning the Church of England to form independent churches. Pilgram leaders wrote up the mayflower compact which stated any male traveling would follow just and equal laws. Settlers binded themselves in order to promote the glory of God and their own “common good.” Leaders of Massachusetts organized colony in self-governing towns. Groups received land grant from colony’s government. Each town has it’s own. congregational Church required to establish a school since the ability to read the bible was of high importance to Puritan belief. Each town was required to have a church and levy tax for the minister. Body of liberties allowed for slavery.