Period 3: Colonial Society in the 18th century Flashcards
What would cause a tenfold population increase in the Americas?
Immigration of close to 1 million people and sharp natural increase (high birth rate) fertile land, good food supply.
What European groups immigrated and why?
English, Germans, Scotch-Irish, Huguenots, Dutch, Swedes. They wished to escape religious persecution and wars. Many protestants; most settled in the middle colonies.
Largest immigrant groups?
Africans, not by choice. Plantation workers mainly, made up most of Georgia and South Carolina.
Common characteristics amongst all colonies?
Self-government, religious tolerance to different degrees, nobility not inherited, economy-based class, and social status opportunities excluding African Americans.
How was the family life in the colonies?
Men went out to work, it was a 90% family farm population, men dominated politics and landowning. Women had an average of 8 children. They did the household chores; educated. Had limited rights, divorce was rare.
Fact: By the 1760’s, around 50% of the British world trade was with the americas. America was initially agriculture-based.
What was the monetary system?
THe monetary system was Britain’s way of limiting the use of money to control the economy; often led to inflation.
What form of transportation was used for trade?
Water travel at harbor locations. Horse + stage travel became more common by the 18th century. Taverns provided food, lodging, and news/political info. Horse and small ships were used by the postal system during this time.
What were some religious challenges in the colonies?
Persecution and discrimination, especially for Jews, Catholics, and Quakers. Church’s development was hampered. Established churches were paid for through the government. Taxes were paid for church.
What was the great awakening?
A period that skyrocketed during the 1730s-40s when people got heavily passionate about the expression of religion. Huge emphasis on god’s grace and damnation. Johnathon Edwards and George Whitefield were some notable names. “Sinners in the hands of an angry god.” More focus on emotions would lead to church division.
Tell me a little about the art, literature, and science.
Benjamin Franklin, I don’t need to say more.
Education?
Princeton, Colombia, Brown. (Colleges from this time) Teachers often lived with the families they would teach. Ministers were often the only well-educated.
Newspapers and entertainment?
Over 40 local papers. Zenger’s case in 1735 would lead to taking greater risks in paper. South–> playing cards, horse racing. Middle–> Theatre. New England–> Religious lectures.
Tell me about the enlightment
18th century. John locke and his belief of natural laws. Revolting the government is allowed and natural as they’re human.
