Study Notes: The Growth of the English Colonies to 1700

The Growth of the English Colonies to 1700

Key Overview Points

  • Purpose of Study: Understanding the development of English colonies in North America before 1700.

  • Key Questions Addressed:

    • Who were the Puritans (Pilgrims), and what motivated their relocation to the New World?

    • In what ways did New England colonies differ from the mid-Atlantic colonies?

    • Identification and uniqueness of the Middle Colonies.

    • What factors escalated tensions between the colonies and British government?

The Establishment of Maryland

  • George Calvert, Lord Baltimore:

    • Achieved the establishment of Maryland to function as a haven for English Catholics escaping religious persecution.

    • Historical Context:

    • Following the formation of the Anglican Church, Catholic individuals faced suspicion and hostility from the English crown.

Historical Maps and Geographical Context

  • Inclusion of detailed maps illustrating the colonization and settlement patterns in the Carolinas and surrounding regions during the early 1700s.

Origins of the Southern Colonies

  • The Carolinas (established 1670):

    • Created to reward supporters of Charles II.

    • Aimed primarily at agricultural production to support existing economy in Virginia and English sugar plantations in Barbados.

  • Georgia (established 1732):

    • Intended for the relocation of prisoners from debtors’ prisons in England.

    • Functioned as a buffer zone against the Spanish territories in Florida.

The Colonization of Florida

  • Historical maps showcase the Spanish settlements in Florida, demonstrating colonial competition in North America.

Characteristics of the Early English Colonies

  • Autonomous Nature:

    • These colonies weren't directly administrated by the British crown, contrasting with Spain's colonial strategy in Central and South America.

    • Mostly founded by private groups such as corporations and religious refugees.

    • The British government paid little attention in the early phase, leading to a sense of self-governance.

Legislative Developments in Virginia

  • Virginia House of Burgesses:

    • Established in 1619, providing significant legislative power and self-governance for the Virginia Colony.

    • Increased colonial friction with England emerged as attempts to reinforce control intensified over time.

The Puritans

  • Definition and Origins:

    • The Puritans were members of a Protestant sect founded by John Calvin in Switzerland.

    • They supported the Reformation but critiqued the Anglican Church for insufficient changes, advocating further de-Catholicization.

    • Conflict with Anglican Church officials, notably King James I, over doctrinal disputes led to the emergence of Separatists.

Predestination

  • Definition: A Calvinist doctrine stating that only certain 'elect' individuals are predestined for salvation by divine designation.

  • Expectations from the Elect: Though deemed saved, they must still live per God's will, implying that predestination is not a license for sin.

Puritan Beliefs and Dissent

  • Visible Saints Concept: Puritans asserted that only visible saints (the elect) deserved church membership.

  • Exclusion from Church: Those who did not meet the criteria were not permitted membership, leading to greater religious division.

  • Consequences:

    • King James I identified them as a political threat, resulting in the exile of many Separatists to the Netherlands in 1608.

The Plymouth Colony

  • Plymouth Plantation: Founded by Puritans seeking religious freedom, significant in American history.

  • Mayflower Compact:

    • Historic agreement establishing a basic form of government by mutual consent among the settlers.

Early Massachusetts Colonies

  • Diverse Settlements: Early colonies included Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth, with significant interactions with Native American tribes.

The Puritan Great Migration

  • John Winthrop: First governor of Massachusetts Bay, envisioned the colony as a 'city upon a hill' meant to inspire others.

Religious Dissent and New Colonies

  • Roger Williams: Expelled for challenging Puritan authorities; went on to establish Rhode Island as a refuge for dissenters.

  • Anne Hutchinson: Faced persecution for her anti-nomian beliefs, illustrating the lack of tolerance in Massachusetts.

Connecticut’s Fundamental Orders

  • Democratic Structures: Instituted in 1639 for self-governance among “substantial” citizens, illustrating early steps towards democracy in colonial governance.

Relations with Native Americans

  • Initial Engagements:

    • Events depicted in imagery and documents celebrate complex interactions, often overshadowed by conflict.

  • Pequot War (1637): An early conflict resulting in severe repercussions for Native populations.

Middle Colonies Overview

  • Composition: Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware often labeled as the Middle Colonies due to their intermediate characteristics between New England and Southern colonies.

Quakers and William Penn

  • Quaker Movement: Established in the 1650s, known for their nonviolent, progressive approaches, granting religious freedom.

  • Founding of Pennsylvania: Penn's charter from King Charles II provided a haven for Quakers and others seeking religious liberty.

Economic Aspects of the Middle Colonies

  • Characteristics: Robust agriculture with a significant focus on grain, a blend of economic activities such as shipbuilding and trade, contrasting ethnic and religious diversity leading to increased tolerance.

Economics of the Colonies

  • New England vs Mid-Atlantic:

    • New England was primarily manufacturing-based while the Mid-Atlantic relied heavily on agriculture with some manufacturing influence.

British Colonial Relations

  • Salient Issues:

    • Initial British neglect allowed colonies to exercise self-governance.

    • Changes in British policy in response to rising colonial importance eventually incited colonial resistance.

Navigation Acts and Colonial Resentment

  • Purpose:

    • A series of laws aimed at regulating trade within the British empire to ensure benefits flowed directly to England.

  • Colonial Reaction: Resistance to the Navigation Laws, especially under the governance of Sir Edmund Andros, intensified resentment against British rule.

Conclusion on Relationship Dynamics

  • Salutary Neglect: Describes Britain's approach towards the colonies in the late 1600s, allowing some autonomy while trade laws remained on paper but poorly enforced.

  • Political Shift: Advocacy for maintaining this policy from figures like Robert Walpole contrasted with later administration perspectives.