APUSH Chapter 5

Britain in North America

By 1775, Britain governed 32 colonies in North America, but only 13 had rebelled against the crown.

Population Growth

The population in the North American colonies exploded during the 1700s, surpassing that of Britain by the end of the century.

Melting Pot

Colonial America was diverse, with Germans making up 6% and Scots-Irish 7% of the population in 1775.

Scots-Irish Settlements

Scots-Irish established settlements along the "great wagon road" from Pennsylvania to Georgia and led protests against colonial policies.

Wealth Disparity

By the mid-1700s, the richest 10% in Boston and Philadelphia owned two-thirds of the taxable wealth.

Indentured Servants

The influx of indentured servants contributed to the lower classes in colonial society.

Clergy Prestige

The Christian ministry held the highest prestige in colonial society, while physicians and lawyers were less esteemed.

Agriculture Dominance

Agriculture was the leading industry, with 90% of the population involved, particularly in tobacco and grain production.

Triangular Trade

A trade route where ships carried rum to Africa, picked up slaves, then transported molasses from the West Indies back to New England.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing was of secondary importance in the colonies, with lumbering being the most significant activity.

Road Conditions

The roadways in the colonies were poorly maintained, impacting transportation and communication.

Established Churches

The Anglican and Congregational churches were the two prominent tax-supported churches in 1775.

Religious Toleration

There was significant progress in religious toleration, allowing individuals to worship freely or not at all.

The Great Awakening

A religious revival in the 1730s and 1740s emphasizing emotive spirituality and challenging traditional clergy.

Education in New England

Puritan New England prioritized education, establishing nine colleges focused on training ministers.

Georgian Architecture

The red-bricked Georgian style was introduced in the colonies around 1720.

Freedom of the Press

The John Peter Zenger case (1734-1735) established a precedent for freedom of the press in America.

Colonial Governance

By 1775, most colonies had royal governors, while some were self-governed or under proprietors.

Legislative Bodies

Nearly every colony had a two-house legislative system, with the upper house appointed and the lower house elected by the people.

Lord Cornbury

A notorious governor of New York and New Jersey known for his misconduct and poor governance.