Recording-2025-02-18T09:48:03.517Z

Introduction to Colonial Life

• Focus on the living conditions in the American colonies and major social movements influencing them from Europe.

• Examination of immigration patterns and influential events back in Britain affecting colonial life.

Immigration Patterns in the 13 Colonies

• 1700: Predominantly English and Welsh immigrants (80% of arrivals).

• 1750: Increased diversity in colonial population; English and Welsh make up 52%, with growing Scottish, Irish, Dutch, German immigrants, and an increasing enslaved African population.

• Total population reached 1.7 million by 1750 compared to low populations in New France (60,000) and New Spain (19,000).

Slavery in the Colonies

• Slavery integral to the Southern economy; present in all 13 colonies but varies in significance.

• Increasing enslaved Africans; emergence of Creole slaves—those born in the colonies who spoke English and knew no other home.

• High risk of revolts among enslaved Africans familiar with freedom prior to enslavement.

• Unique characteristics of colonial slavery:

  • Hereditary: Slavery passed from mother to child.

  • Rare freeing of enslaved people—more common as lifelong enslavement.

  • Racial basis for slavery and reliance on violence.

Regional Differences in Slave Life

• Northern Colonies: More opportunities for enslaved people to work as craftsmen and artisans.

• Chesapeake Colonies: Self-sustaining plantations, more independence for planters.

• The Carolinas: Large enslaved population with absentee white planters allowed for maintenance of cultural identity; noted for the Stono Rebellion.

Stono Rebellion (1739)

• A revolt where 20 enslaved Africans stole guns and killed store owners, marching towards Florida in search of freedom.

• Resulted in the uprising being suppressed by local militia.

• Sparked fear among white colonists leading to tighter restrictions on enslaved populations, particularly in the Carolinas and even affecting northern colonies (e.g., New York Conspiracy of 1741).

Colonial Family Economy

• Dominance of subsistence farming for non-plantation families; focus on growing food for their own needs without generating excess for sale.

• An increase in birth rates: Colonial women typically married younger (early twenties) and had more children (averaging 7-8 children).

• Gender roles defined: Women expected to marry young, provide for household, and produce goods; Men responsible for farming and land management.

• Cities saw a mix of wealth and poverty, with action-centered taverns forming as social interaction hubs.

Transatlantic Economy and Mercantilism

• Colonies connected to global trade networks, though wealth disparity existed.

• Mercantilism introduced via Navigation Acts (1651-1696), restricting trade to British ships and undermining local markets, leading to black market activity.

The Idea of Gentility

• Emerged as a lifestyle reflecting wealth and refinement through acquisition of luxury goods; offered limited social mobility unlike in England.

• Example: Thomas Jefferson exemplified gentility in the colonies through wealth and style.

Colonial Taverns

• Early establishments providing a source of clean drinking water and social interaction.

• Served as political meeting grounds as tensions toward revolution grew.

Colonial Governance

• Each of the 13 colonies operated with a legislative body, typically reliant on British authorities.

• Undemocratic practices: Voting restricted to white landowning men; issues with suspicions of political intimidation during voting practices.

Political Developments in Britain

Absolutism and the English Civil War

• King James I and Charles I sought more control over Parliament, leading to tension and the eventual English Civil War (1642-1651).

• Outcome: Parliamentarians victorious, led by Puritans, resulted in the execution of Charles I and rise of Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector.

Restoration and the Glorious Revolution

• After Cromwell's unpopular rule and subsequent death, the monarchy restored with Charles II.

• The Glorious Revolution resulted in the ascension of William and Mary, establishing a constitutional monarchy and English Bill of Rights, limiting monarch power and emphasizing rights of the people.

Effects of the Glorious Revolution on the Colonies

• The end of the Dominion of New England, promoting self-governance in colonies.

• Growing divisions between colonists and Parliament regarding self-government and rights, setting foundations for future revolutionary ideas.

Enlightenment and Great Awakening

Enlightenment

• A movement emphasizing reasoning, individualism, and scientific progress (e.g., Ben Franklin, John Locke with inalienable rights and the social contract).

• Innovations in thought leading to new institutions (libraries, hospitals) and medical practices like inoculations.

Great Awakening

• A reaction to the emotional deficiencies in previous religious practices, promoting powerful revivals and sermons.

• Affected diverse classes and groups across colonies; emphasized equality before God, transforming religious participation.

• Key figures included George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards, who stressed individual religious experience.

Conclusion

• Both the Enlightenment and Great Awakening contributed to a growing discontent with authority and shaped colonial identity leading up to the American Revolution.