The British Empire in America (1650-1750) Flashcards
Mercantilism
Economic policy in Europe in the 1600s said that the power of a state depended on its wealth. So, the state must build and support wealth. A country shouldn’t import raw materials, it should have colonies to produce the materials for them.
Navigation Acts (1660)
acts by Charles II to increase the dependence of colonies on England. certain goods could only be sold to England so that other countries needed to buy raw materials from the colonies through England’s banks. However, these laws were not heavily enforced.
triangular trade system
The trade relationships between America, Europe, and Africa. Slaves from Africa were resold to the Americas who exported raw materials to Europe.
Middle Passage
the voyage across the Atlantic taken by slaves on their way to the Americas. Sickness and disease were common on these ships. Over 20% of slaves were dead when the ships would land.
Salem Witch Trials (1692)
120 people were accused of witchcraft, 19 of which were executed. These trials dealt heavily with class, as most accused were farmers.
salutary neglect
British policy in the 1700s stating that if the colonies stayed loyal to England, they would loosen enforcement of previous acts.
Dominion of New England (1686)
Instituted by King James II. Sir Edmund Andros would govern some colonies as a single entity without an elective assembly; Andros was finally overthrown by militiamen in Boston in April 1689
Glorious Revolution (1688)
King James II was removed from the thrown and replaced by Protestant Mary. A revolt in America against Catholic officials occurred and there was a demand that
proprietorships
settlements that were given to individuals to govern + regulate that territory as they desired.
colonial assemblies
made up of representatives elected by the freeholders and planters (landowners) of the province; they were also called the House of Delegates, House of Burgesses, or Assembly of Freemen.
Molasses Act (1733)
British wanted to reduce French trade so they put prohibitive duties on imported molasses. Colonists continued to smuggle trades with the French despite this.
First Great Awakening
A religious revival in the American colonies in the mid-1700s; speakers like Jonathan Edwards enraptured speakers. Religious splits in the colonies became deeper because of this movement.