Colonial Society on the Eve of Revolution

Quote from Samuel Adams (1776): "Driven from every other corner of the earth, freedom of thought and the right of private judgment in matters of conscience direct their course to this happy country as their last asylum."
Overview of Colonial America by 1775:
- Misleading terminology: The term "thirteen original colonies" is inaccurate as Britain ruled 32 colonies, including Canada and Caribbean islands. Only thirteen began rebellion.
- Disparity of colonies: Non-rebellious colonies like Canada were wealthier and more populous.
- Question of independence: Reasons for some colonies seeking independence while others did not are tied to unique social, economic, and political structures in the thirteen Atlantic seaboard colonies.

European territorial claims: Mapped territories claimed by British, Spanish, and French empires, but most settlements remained near the Atlantic Ocean.
Reality of settlements: British settlers mostly lived close to the Atlantic coast, while Spanish claims in California were not settled since 1603.
Impact on Native Americans:
- Despite European interest, many Native Americans initially faced little competition but devastating diseases diminished populations.
- Example: George Vancouver documented abandoned Native villages, highlighting the catastrophic effects of European diseases.

Population Growth in the British Colonies:
- 1700: Fewer than 300,000 colonists (20,000 black).
- 1775: 2.5 million (500,000 black).
- High birth rates allowed settlers to double every 25 years.
- By 1775, the ratio of English subjects to American colonists was reducing from 20:1 to 3:1.
Demographics in 1775:
- Most populous colonies: Virginia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Maryland.
- Few cities: Philadelphia (34,000 residents), New York, Boston, and Charleston; 90% lived in rural areas.

Diversity in Colonial America:
- Predominantly English, but 6% were heavy-accented Germans (150,000), fleeing persecution in Pennsylvania, enhancing religious diversity.
- Scots-Irish immigrants: 175,000 (7%) - originally Scots Lowlanders from Northern Ireland, pushed into backcountry settlements and contributed to frontier culture.
- Minority populations: Other groups (5% total) included French Huguenots, Welsh, Dutch, Jews, and Scots Highlanders.
- Slave population: Nearly 20% (increased significantly in the South).
Cultural Integration: Intermarriage and mingling laid the foundation for a multicultural American identity, different from European nationalities.

Slavery Growth in the Eighteenth Century:
- Conditions for slaves varied by region; very harsh in South Carolina's rice and indigo plantations.
- Chesapeake region: Better living conditions due to tobacco farming and increased family life among slaves.
Cultural Development: Unique African American culture evolved, a blend of African traditions and experiences in bondage; Gullah language example.
Slave Revolts: Inhumane conditions spurred resilience, leading to revolts such as the 1712 New York and 1739 South Carolina slave revolts.

Social Classes:
- Compared to Europe, colonial America had no titled nobility or starkly impoverished underclass. Most white Americans were small farmers.
- Rising wealthy elite: Particularly those from military supply profits post-war.
Openness of social mobility: Individuals could rise socially, exemplified by some indentured servants becoming signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Economic Foundations: Agriculture as the primary industry (90% of people).
- Major crops: Tobacco in Chesapeake, wheat in middle colonies.
Fishery and commerce: Fishing and shipbuilding contributed to economies, with New England as a leading area for naval trade.
Triangular Trade: Included a cycle of rum, slaves, and molasses that enriched New England.

Professional standings: The church held high status, while physicians were often poorly trained.
Health crises: Smallpox epidemics necessitated early inoculation techniques, leading to skepticism around medicine.
Legal profession: Initially disdained; private legal disputes were common.

Transportation difficulties: Roads were poor, leading to reliance on waterways and taverns for social and political gatherings.
- Taverns: Important for discussing politics and spreading news; served as community hubs.

Religious establishments in 1775: Anglican and Congregational churches were notably supported; many did not attend any religious services.
Anglican Church vs. Congregational church: Varied levels of influence and public engagement, with ministers addressing socio-political issues.

Religious revival: Initiated by Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, focused on passionate emotionalism and personal faith.
Results of the Awakening: Increased church competition and missionary activity, including amongst Native Americans and slaves.

Educational challenges: Education focused on classical and theological education, with Puritans prioritizing Bible reading.
Higher education: Early universities lacked breadth; Benjamin Franklin contributed to a non-denominational college in Pennsylvania.

Colonial arts and crafts: Reflective of European ideas; few original American works considering constraints of society; literature remained unremarkable aside from a few exceptional figures like Phillis Wheatley and Benjamin Franklin.
Cultural understanding: Development shaped by common historical experiences despite the vast demographic differences.

Key Terms: borderlands, South Carolina slave revolt, Regulator movement, triangular trade, Arminianism, Great Awakening, Zenger trial, royal colonies, proprietary colonies.
Notable Figures: Michel-Guillaume Jean de Crèvecoeur, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, John Singleton Copley, Phillis Wheatley, John Peter Zenger, Jacobus Arminius, John Trumbull.
Chronology Highlights: Founding of educational institutions and significant events leading to the American Revolution.