Fed Gov lecture 8
Lecture Overview
Discussion Topic: The lecture picked up after discussing the Tudor reforms, focusing on two key areas:
- Development of initial colonial governments
- The beginnings of the English RevolutionEngagement Activity: The instructor asks the class about their knowledge of physics, specifically regarding the meaning of “revolution.” Students demonstrate limited exposure to the concept.
Definition of Revolution
Explanation of Revolution: A revolution means to make a complete turn or circle, as exemplified by the Earth revolving around the Sun.
Historical Context: Revolutions are often perceived as linear changes from point A to point B, but many historically begin and end at point A (e.g., Russian, Mexican, French revolutions).
Examples of Historical Revolutions:
Russian Revolution: Intended to replace a czar but ended with a new dictatorship.
Mexican Revolution: Objective to rid oligarchs ended similarly with oligarchic rule.
French Revolution: Aimed to establish a republic but reverted back to a system not dissimilar to what existed before.
American Revolution: Unlike others, it aimed to maintain existing conditions rather than radically change them.
Key Difference in American Revolution:
- It is characterized as a conservative revolution focusing on maintaining previous liberties rather than seeking drastic changes.
Colonial Development
Theme of the Lecture:
- Initial colonial governments developed as assembly-based systems.Government Structure: Each colony established local governments that aligned with customs and practices from England.
Local Governance
Assemblies: Local government assemblies had considerable power without oversight from higher authority.
Legal Codes & Institutions: Their power stemmed from legal systems designed similarly to those in England.
Public Perception: Colonists viewed themselves primarily as English citizens residing in colonies, rather than as distinct American entities.
Differences Between New England and Southern Colonies:
New England: Emphasis on equality before the law, no formal hierarchical systems, and attempts to avoid social stratification.
- Notable developments: Equal access to government, jury trials, and due process.Virginia (Southern Colonies): Established strong social hierarchies early on, relying on slavery for economic success and creating discriminatory laws that fostered a separate political consciousness among African Americans.
Education Systems in the Colonies
Importance of Literacy: High literacy rates were critical for trade and religious practices.
- Goals: Ensuring an educated populace to conduct contracts and understand scripture effectively.Harvard University: Established in the 1630s to promote education among colonists, contributing to significantly higher literacy rates than in Europe.
The English Revolution
Historical Context: Explores the evolution of English monarchy from war leaders to a more ceremonial role with the rise of parliament.
Monarchical Limitations: Monarchs became less capable of leading armies, leading to questions about the relevance of kingship in governance.
Transition of Power during the English Revolution:
Development of the New Model Army: A pivotal formation by Parliament, mirroring ancient Roman military organization.
Consequences: The king loses power and ultimately faced execution, a radical departure for European political history.
Introduction of military rule under Cromwell, known as the Protectorate, fundamentally transforming governance.
Characteristics of the Protectorate under Cromwell:
Policies:
- Attempts at enforcing political equality (universal male voting).
- Reforms in education, focusing on literacy and learning as a means to spread Puritan ideals.
- Implementation of strict military governance, replacing existing systems with martial law.Cultural Impact: The Protectorate instituted severe public morality laws, leading to the shutdown of traditional leisure activities and enactment of a repressive social order.
Political Changes Post-Cromwell
Restoration of Monarchy (Charles II): The monarchy's return heralded a complex relationship with American colonies facing new impositions.
Colonial Resistance: Amercains defied royal orders with increasing autonomy, exemplified in Massachusetts and Plymouth.
Key Events Resulting in Colonial Defiance:
Dominion of New England: Forced consolidation of colonial governments into a singular royal framework led to unrest.
Mercantilist Policies: Created conflicts between colonial trading liberties and British regulation efforts.
Conclusion of Lecture:
The American colonies developed their own identity and governance that increasingly contradicted direct royal rule, laying the groundwork for future revolutions.
Next Steps
Students encouraged to reflect on modern implications of these historical developments and prepare for further discussions involving the Glorious Revolution.
Lecture Overview - Discussion Topic: The lecture picked up after discussing the Tudor reforms, focusing on two key areas:
- Development of initial colonial governments
- The beginnings of the English Revolution - Engagement Activity: The instructor asks the class about their knowledge of physics, specifically regarding the meaning of “revolution.” Students demonstrate limited exposure to the concept.
Definition of Revolution - Explanation of Revolution: A revolution means to make a complete turn or circle, as exemplified by the Earth revolving around the Sun. - Historical Context: Revolutions are often perceived as linear changes from point A to point B, but many historically begin and end at point A (e.g., Russian, Mexican, French revolutions).
Examples of Historical Revolutions:
Russian Revolution: Intended to replace a czar but ended with a new dictatorship.
Mexican Revolution: Objective to rid oligarchs ended similarly with oligarchic rule.
French Revolution: Aimed to establish a republic but reverted back to a system not dissimilar to what existed before.
American Revolution: Unlike others, it aimed to maintain existing conditions rather than radically change them.
Key Difference in American Revolution:
- It is characterized as a conservative revolution focusing on maintaining previous liberties rather than seeking drastic changes.
Colonial Development - Theme of the Lecture:
- Initial colonial governments developed as assembly-based systems.
Government Structure: Each colony established local governments that aligned with customs and practices from England.
Local Governance - Assemblies: Local government assemblies had considerable power without oversight from higher authority.
Legal Codes & Institutions: Their power stemmed from legal systems designed similarly to those in England.
Public Perception: Colonists viewed themselves primarily as English citizens residing in colonies, rather than as distinct American entities.
Differences Between New England and Southern Colonies:
New England: Emphasis on equality before the law, no formal hierarchical systems, and attempts to avoid social stratification.
- Notable developments: Equal access to government, jury trials, and due process.
Virginia (Southern Colonies): Established strong social hierarchies early on, relying on slavery for economic success and creating discriminatory laws that fostered a separate political consciousness among African Americans.
Education Systems in the Colonies - Importance of Literacy: High literacy rates were critical for trade and religious practices.
- Goals: Ensuring an educated populace to conduct contracts and understand scripture effectively.
Harvard University: Established in the 1630s to promote education among colonists, contributing to significantly higher literacy rates than in Europe.
The English Revolution - Historical Context: Explores the evolution of English monarchy from war leaders to a more ceremonial role with the rise of parliament.
Monarchical Limitations: Monarchs became less capable of leading armies, leading to questions about the relevance of kingship in governance.
Transition of Power during the English Revolution:
Development of the New Model Army: A pivotal formation by Parliament, mirroring ancient Roman military organization.
Consequences: The king loses power and ultimately faced execution, a radical departure for European political history.
Introduction of military rule under Cromwell, known as the Protectorate, fundamentally transforming governance.
Characteristics of the Protectorate under Cromwell:
Policies:
- Attempts at enforcing political equality (universal male voting).
- Reforms in education, focusing on literacy and learning as a means to spread Puritan ideals.
- Implementation of strict military governance, replacing existing systems with martial law.
Cultural Impact: The Protectorate instituted severe public morality laws, leading to the shutdown of traditional leisure activities and enactment of a repressive social order.
Political Changes Post-Cromwell - Restoration of Monarchy (Charles II): The monarchy's return heralded a complex relationship with American colonies facing new impositions.
Colonial Resistance: Americans defied royal orders with increasing autonomy, exemplified in Massachusetts and Plymouth.
Key Events Resulting in Colonial Defiance:
Dominion of New England: Forced consolidation of colonial governments into a singular royal framework led to unrest.
Mercantilist Policies: Created conflicts between colonial trading liberties and British regulation efforts.
Conclusion of Lecture:
The American colonies developed their own identity and governance that increasingly contradicted direct royal rule, laying the groundwork for future revolutions.