Unit 2: The Middle Colonies & Colonial Culture Flashcards
Remarkable Pluralism:
Religious and Ethnic
Major Characteristics:
- Religious Liberty
- Democratic, egalitarian ideals
- Juxtaposition of rich farms, thriving commercial centers
- Complex economy
Economy of the Middle Colonies
- Large hinterland for exportable products
- Major products: wheat, flour, livestock, lumber
- Lucrative fur trade in Albany, New York
Conflicts in the Middle Colonies
- Pro-vs. Anti-Slavery
- Rural vs. Cosmopolitan: East Coast vs. the Western Frontier
The Middle Colonies
Maryland and the Calverts
Calverts
Personal background (1st proprietary grant)
Motives in Founding Maryland
- Outlet for the energies of the Baltimores
- Economic Profit
- Reason of State: Buffer between English Jamestown and Dutch Netherland
- Refugee for Catholics
Powers of the Proprietor
- Title to the land: total discretion
- Control of the colony’s trade
- Complete political power
- Make laws, control the courts
Colonization Incentives
- Headright system: land distribution
- Promise of true religious liberty
- An elected assembly: self-government
The Dutch Regime: New Netherland
- Dutch were mercantile: only commercial goals
- Dutch West Indies Co: Settlers only employees; no voice in government
The Patroon System
Anyone settling 50 adults on land would become Lord of the Manor
Consequences of the Patroon System
- Development of an aristocratic landholding system
- Hindered growth and development of the colony
- Rise of a privileged group of aristocratic land owner
Problems with the Dutch Rule of New Netherland
- English Puritans filtered in, making it hard to govern
- Conflicts with Native Americans (Wars in the 1640s)
Conflicts with Native Americans (Wars in the 1640s)
a. Arrival of Peter Stuyvesant as governor in 1647
Contributions of the Dutch
- Created an enduring commercial center (later New York)
- 1st body of non-English to retain ways and traditions
- Created a new configurations in American politics: voted: “Anti-English”
The English Restoration Affects Colonization in the America
1) Cromwell and the Puritan Roundheads beheaded the king in 1649
2) Rise of Oliver Cromwell and the Protectorate
3) 1660: Restoration of Charles II to the throne
4) English claim New Netherland by reason of: “former expedition”
5) English expedition of 1664 met no Dutch resistance
6) Colony turned over to Duke of York, Charles’s brother and renamed New York
William Penn: A Valuable Asset
Educated, wealthy leader for the Quaker Cause, Embarks on the “Holy Experiment”
Quaker Religious Beliefs
- Spark of Divinity in all: “Inner Light”
- Man could perfect himself thru prayer
- Non-necessity of scripture, sacraments, or clergy
- Direct communion with Holy Spirit
- Sought to resist fleshly desires