Unit 2 Summary: Colonization of America (1607-1754)

Colonization of America (1607-1754)

Overview

  • The period from 1607 (Jamestown) to 1754 (start/end of French and Indian War) marks the colonization of American lands by Spanish, Dutch, French, and English powers.
  • Motivations for colonization: "God, gold, and glory."

Colonizing Powers: Motivations and Approaches

Spanish
  • Primary motivation: wealth, especially minerals.
  • Later focused on cash crops.
  • Aimed to spread Christianity.
French and Dutch
  • Primary focus: fur trade.
  • Less conflict with Native Americans due to trade-based relationships.
  • Exchange: fur from Native Americans for goods like food.
British
  • Motivations: inflation in England, religious freedom, and wealth.

British Colonies: Regional Differences

  • Four sections: Chesapeake, New England, West Indies, and Middle Colonies.
Chesapeake
  • Centered around Jamestown.
  • Focused on extracting wealth.
  • Primarily single men seeking work.
  • Main crop: tobacco.
New England
  • Religiously focused.
  • Settled by whole families.
  • Emphasis on community.
West Indies
  • Warm climate suitable for farming.
  • Ideal for cultivating cash crops.
Middle Colonies
  • Relied on cash crops.
  • High demand for African laborers.
  • Benefited from favorable environment and weather.
  • New York and New Jersey: trade hubs due to easy river transportation for imports.

Colonial Self-Governance

  • Colonies were self-governed due to salutary neglect by Great Britain.
  • Examples:
    • Mayflower Compact: early example of self-government.
    • House of Burgesses: established tax laws.

Transatlantic Slave Trade (Triangle Trade)

  • Similar to Columbian Exchange.
  • Trade routes between America, Europe, and Africa.
  • Middle Passage: The passage from Africa to America, characterized by inhumane conditions.
  • System built on mercantilism: maximizing acquisition of silver and resources.
  • Navigation Acts: British restrictions on colonial trade.

Conflicts with Native Americans

  • European powers' policies led to conflicts with Native Americans.
  • Examples:
    • Metacom's War (King Philip's War): Chief Metacom (King Philip) fought against British settlements due to land disputes.
    • Pueblo Revolt: Pueblo people were defeated by the Spanish.

Labor and Resistance

  • British colonies heavily depended on African American labor.
  • Enslaved people were considered chattel (objects).
  • Forms of resistance:
    • Covert: cultural customs, songs, traditions.
    • Overt: violent actions, such as the Stono Rebellion (a small group of enslaved laborers burned and killed white colonial settlers).

Religious and Intellectual Movements

  • The First Great Awakening: Developed ideas of natural rights and social contract.
  • Resistance from traditional clergy (old lights) who preached against the loss of faith.
  • National movement with widespread participation and discussion.

British Impressment and Colonial Resistance

  • British impressment: British forcefully drafted American colonists into the British army.
  • Colonists felt that their natural rights were violated, leading to resistance.