The Thirteen Original Colonies (1607-1733)

The Thirteen Original Colonies (1607-1733)

Highlights

  • England Enters the Race for Empire

  • Virginia

  • The Pilgrims Settle Plymouth

  • The Puritans Settle Massachusetts Bay

  • Other New England Colonies

  • Proprietary Colonies

England Enters the Race for Empire

  • Spiritual Heritage:

    • England's colonization efforts began in 1585, late compared to Spanish and French efforts.

    • The English Reformation made the Bible accessible, thanks to figures like:

    • John Wycliffe (1320?-1384): First full English translation of the Bible, called the "Morning Star of the Reformation."

    • William Tyndale (1492-1536): Presented the first printed English Bible, later martyred for his beliefs.

  • Political Heritage:

    • England's political system included characteristics of limited representative government developed since Anglo-Saxon times.

    • 1215: King John signed the Magna Carta, promoting limited government.

    • Parliamentary System: Evolved over time, and by Queen Elizabeth’s reign (1558-1603), England experienced stability.

Chronology of Key Events

  • 1607: Jamestown colony founded in Virginia.

  • 1620: Pilgrims establish Plymouth colony.

  • 1630: Puritans establish Massachusetts Bay colony.

  • 1733: Georgia colony is founded.

Early English Exploration

  • John Cabot (1497): First explorer to set foot on North America, claimed Newfoundland for England.

  • Sir Martin Frobisher (1576): Sought North-West Passage; symbolic for English exploration ambitions.

  • Sir Francis Drake (1577): Sailed around the world, claimed California for England (Nova Albion).

Reasons for English Colonization

  1. Religious Freedom:

    • Church of England was the only recognized religion. Dissenters, including Puritans and Catholics, sought freedom to worship.

    • Puritans: Desired reform within the Church of England. Separatists formed their own independent churches.

  2. Political Freedom:

    • Tension between the crown and Parliament regarding political power. Influenced by the divine right of kings.

  3. Economic Freedom:

    • Economic hardship, such as inflation due to Spanish wealth, enclosure movement displacing farmers, and resultant unemployment prompted many to seek prosperity in America.

People Involved in English Colonization

  • Sovereigns: Little interest compared to France and Spain; mostly private initiatives prompted English colonies.

  • Businessmen: Driven by profit motives for colonization projects.

  • Settlers: Included a mix of adventurers, those seeking freedom, and economic opportunities.

Early Attempts at Settlement

  • Sir Humphrey Gilbert / Sir Walter Raleigh: Early failures in colonizing efforts, including the lost Roanoke Colony.

  • Jamestown (1607):

    • Established as Virginia's first permanent colony.

    • Faced challenges like disease, poor leadership, and conflicts with Native Americans.

    • John Rolfe: Introduced tobacco cultivation leading to significant economic success.

Important Precedents in Early Virginia

  • House of Burgesses (1619): Set a precedent for representative government.

  • Bacon's Rebellion (1676): A revolt highlighting tensions between frontiersmen and colonial authorities, stressing the expectation for government protection.

The Pilgrims Settle Plymouth

  • Separatist Movement:

    • Persecuted Pilgrims fled to Holland but desired to remain English. They aimed to start anew in America.

  • Voyage of the Mayflower (1620): Landed in Cape Cod, establishing the Mayflower Compact, which set a foundation for self-governance.

  • Plymouth’s Hardships: Severe winters and a high death rate initially threatened survival but friendly relations with Native Americans like Squanto helped promote agriculture.

  • Thanksgiving (1621): Celebrated the harvest with Native allies.

The Puritans Settle Massachusetts Bay

  • Charles I's Reign: Introduced renewed persecution that prompted Puritans to seek a new homeland for religious freedom.

  • Massachusetts Bay Company: Formed by Puritan businessmen, allowed for self-governance.

  • Growth and Influence of Puritans: Established a society based on religious principles.

Other New England Colonies

  • Thomas Hooker: Founded Connecticut seeking more political and religious freedom.

  • Roger Williams: Founded Rhode Island advocating for complete separation of church and state.

The Proprietary Colonies

  • Feudalism's Failure:

    • Proprietary colonies were established with the hope of replicating English feudal systems while facing struggles for power.

    • Maryland: Founded as a Catholic sanctuary; confronted the need for a Toleration Act (1649) due to growing Protestant populations.

    • Carolina's Division: Split into North and South Carolina due to geographic and social differences, especially regarding land ownership and development.

  • New York: Transformation from Dutch New Netherland to English control under the Duke of York.

Key Terms and Definitions

  • Congregationalism: A system where each congregation governs itself independently.

  • Mayflower Compact: Agreement establishing self-government in the Plymouth Colony.

  • Headright System: Gave land for funding the passage of settlers, promoting land ownership.

  • Triangular Trade: Exchange of goods between New England, West Africa, and the West Indies.

Major Figures

  • William Penn: Founded Pennsylvania as a haven for Quakers, outlined principles of religious tolerance.

  • John Peter Zenger: His trial established a precedent for press freedom and truth as a defense against libel.

  • Benjamin Franklin: Early biographer, philanthropist, inventor, and statesman symbolizing American ingenuity and liberty.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Thirteen Original Colonies shaped the framework for a free nation founded on principles of religious and political liberty, self-governance, and economic opportunity.