5) Ethnic and religious diversity of American Colonists & Intellectual Heritage of Anglo-American Colonies

Question 1

Diversity in Origins in Colonies

Answer 1

• around 80% of American colonists were of European descent
• Decreases in English descent during 1700s
• Germany, Scotland, Ireland (one-third) by 1775
• One-fifth African ancestry

Question 2

Diversity in Religion in Colonies

Answer 2

• Many did not belong to church
• Majority were Protestants
• Roman Catholics (MD, DE)
• Jews (northern colonies)

Question 3

Diversity in Protestant Religion in Colonies

Answer 3

• Congregational Church (north)
• Church of England (south)
• Quakers (RI, PA)
• Presbyterian (from Scotland)
• Baptist
• Lutherans
• Mennonites
• Dutch Reformed churches

Question 4

Puritan Values

Answer 4

• Personal responsibility toward one’s community
• Earliest settlements centered on the church
• Meetings among church members to decide public matters turned into New England town meeting
• Important to study the Bible (all children received elementary education)

Question 5

Middle Colonies Ethnic and Religious Diversity

Answer 5

• Less homogenous region in terms of community relationships
• German language remained in use
• Emphasis on scholarly research and public service

Question 6

Southern Colonies Ethnic and Religious Diversity

Answer 6

• Wealthy elite landowners looked to England for culture

- Social hierarchy: Wealth planters (top), Merchants, smaller farmers, slaves (bottom)