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Unit 1 contact
Chapters 1 and 2
Big Picture
• Eastern and Western Hemispheres unite- creating a global
economy
• Massive Environmental change from Columbian Exchange (dark
side- 90% of Amerindian population destroyed)
• Economic Change: Slavery central to early economics of
Americas
• An American “identity” is created as something unique
• Colonial experimentation leads to different political structures
than those typically found in Europe
Chapter One:
Pre Columbian Society
Early Mesoamericans
• Berengia Ice Bridge: 35,000 bce - 15,000 bce (ish) By 3000 bce
there are people throughout North and South American- who
have no idea European civilization exists. 2 major areas with
settled populations: MesoAmerica and Andes
• Went through agricultural revolution about 3000 bce: grow
beans, peppers, avocados, squash, maize (corn) and tomatoes.
No large domesticated animals- so human labor (often slavery)
used for agriculture. Olmec are the earliest civilization 1200 bce
Amerindians
• New research shows they may have been
here as early as 50,000 years agopossibly from South Asia before Berengia (there weren’t
people on Asian side of land bridge that early)
• No way of knowing with any accuracy how many people
were here when Europeans arrived. Estimates go as high as
100 million (same size as pop of Asia) more realistically
around 50 million (same size as pop of Europe)
The Maya
• Olmecs had disappeared by 100 bce (no
one knows why) but aspects of civilization
moved on to other groups, esp the Maya of the
Yucatan peninsula which existed from around 300
bce – 400 ce.
• Interesting note- the need to develop irrigation is
often central in very early civilizations (takes
organization) for the Maya, it was drainage
Aztecs
• Also in Mexico- further north in the drier
highlands
• Teotihuacan built 1st “city” in Western Hemispherepyramids of the sun and moon. Destroyed around 750
ce- violently
• Then came Toltecs, a regional state eventually displaced
by the Mexica, commonly known today as the Aztecs.
• Legend of Quetzalcoatl- a snowy god exiled into the east
who would someday return.
• Tenochtitlan Aztec capital (Mexico City) built on islands
Andean Civilizations
Andes Mountain range in South America
(veryinteresting/challenging spot to develop a civilization…) Geographic
variety: Mountain, Coast, Jungle. Actually, Americas are unique- we don’t
do the whole “river valley” thing (unlike Nile, and Mesopotamia etc…)
Chavin were the earliest group in Andes 1200 bce – 100 bce, then Moche
who existed until about 750 ce. Built irrigation and terraced farming. No
writing
Inca
• Most important South American state- stretched 2300 miles
along the coast. Founded around 1100, Capital Cuzco.
• Remarkable for their organization (no writing, used Kipu – knotted
cords for record keeping) and their road system.
• Mit’a system (required labor) maintained roads and irrigation systems
Religious Differences
• European Christianity: Bible gave Man dominion over
land and animals- therefore men were meant to OWN
those things. Bible doesn’t mention Indians…so whom
did they belong to? In the mind of a European of the
early 1500s, they must belong to the Devil. (Remember,
this is the last great age of Inquisition and witch hunting
in Europe 100,000 will be put to death in 1500s for
“Heresy”- 40,000 in Spain alone)
Amerindian RElgion
• There were many- so harder to generalize. BUT, most
had no concept of Heaven/Hell- there was the real world
and the spirit world. Neither was inherently good or
bad. Found Christian beliefs confusing, Europeans got
very upset at the idea of sacrifices- but they ATE their
god at every service- what’s up with that?
The people of north America: Settled
• Had no major (defining) civilization, there were a variety of
different areas and groups. Population anywhere from 4-25
million in North America
• No individual land ownership- even in settled societies- land
belongs to the community as a whole. Trade every
important, as a method of sharing/diplomacy, not as a profit
exercise. (that’s why they are willing to sell things for a
handful of glass beads etc…)
• Settled: Anasazi (desert cliff dwellers)of southwest – the
Spanish called them the Pueblo.
• Cahokia (mound builders) of Illinois. Grew “Three sisters”
squash, corn and beans. Existed 1000-1700 ce, the
Europeans never saw them.
Nomads (everyone Else)
• Nomadic hunter-gathering: the majority of groups,
varied widly based on environment (pacific northwest,
eastern woodland, plains etc….)
• Little interest in property, or in farming, which men
thought of as “women’s work” (and thought less of
European men for doing it)
• Creeks, Choctaw and Cherokee semi- settled along
Atlantic Seaboard, used 3 sisters agriculture to
supplement hunting, moved seasonally.
Differences in War
• Amerindians generally did not fight big battles with full scale armies
(Aztecs and Inca exceptions) thought of it as a waste of life- they went
Guerrilla style, raiding/war parties.
• Unimpressed by European fear of torture (which they thought of as an honorable
death) Jesuits were an exception.
• Europeans found it hard to find/catch warriors- they would capture
women/children to force the native’s hand. Then got VERY offended when Indians
learned to do the same thing. Difference: Euros tended to kill those they
kidnapped, Indians assimilated them into their society (easier with children)
• Introduction of European weaponry will greatly alter Amerindians conflicts with
one another- Iroquois get weapons early and use to subdue their rivals (Huron and
Algonquin)
Iroquois
• There were 100s of different languages and customs- including
gender roles. Some used Matrilineal, others Patrilineal definition.
Hunter gatherers tend to have greater gender equality, though
leadership roles tend to have belonged to men.
• Iroquois Confederacy the most widespread political affiliation of
North America- 5 tribes (Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondaga, Cayugas,
and Senecas) who shared common language, and worked
together for military (which made them a force to be reckoned
with)
Trans Atlantic Contacts and early
colonies: Chapter 2
Remember that Columbus was
not the 1st European to arrive.
Phoenicians may have landed
as early as 1000 bce, the Mali
of Africa almost certainly
landed in Caribbean, and
Vikings under leif Erickson had
a settlement in Newfoundland
in 1000 ce
European Motivations for Exploration
• Renaissance atmosphere of curiosity and exploration in many
areas. Emerging nation states were seeking power, were VERY
competitive with one another, and there is not much land in
Western Europe.
• Needed new markets to expanding trade- the most valuable
products come from Asia, and the overland route is all tied up.
Mercantilism
• Religious issues- by early 1500s some nations are breaking away
from the Catholic church, others are anxious to expand the
power of the church.
Portuguese and Spanish voyages- Why?
• Spain and Portugal were the 1st Europeans to begin exploration
• Reasons
– New Nations (Reconquista)
– Used to trade and western routes blocked by Muslims and
Italy
– “Atlantic” states- more familiar with ocean (though not great
sailors- hired Italians at the start)
– Religious Fervor/Inquisition: Wanted to spread Christianity
Portugal Where/Who (slide1)
• Portuguese familiar with Muslim trade- Muslims sailed
up and down east coast of Africa (Swahili states) and
then use land caravan across the Sahara (b/c that way
it could stop at various Islamic areas) Portuguese
decide to SAIL down the coast to trade. Portuguese
aren’t big colonizers, they tend to do “outposts” and
trade rather than straight up empire (like the Spanish
etc…)
• Prince Henry the Navigator: a younger son of King, est
a school for map making (cartography) and the study
of ships/navigation.
Continued….
• Used Islamic knowledge/technology: compass and
astrolabe. Made adjustments to Mediterranean shipsdevelop the Caravel, designed for strong winds and deep
waters with square and lanteen sails
• Stuck close to the coast at first (can’t get lost!)
– Bartholomew Dias rounds Cape of Good Hope in 1488
– Vasco Di Gama: reaches India in 1498
• As they get used to the journey start cutting across
corners…. Pedro Cabral blown off course on route to the
Cape, lands in Brazil in 1500- which gives Portugal a colony
in S America
Spain Where/Who
• Spain’s 1st focus was Reconquista and creating a nationexploration came from that, they had something to prove
• Christopher Columbus was Italian, had taken his “crazy” idea
(and it was crazy- it is NOT faster to go west, even w/o a
continent in the way!) to gov’t in Genoa and Portugal before he
came to Spain (who were annoyed Portugal refused to join
“Spain”, wanted to show them who was boss)
Continued…
• Lands in the Bahamas Oct 12th 1492, thinks he is in AsiaCaribbean becomes “West Indies” (as opposed to “East Indies” Indonesia) Trades with Arwoks on Hispanola, who had some
gold….gets Spanish fired up for “treasure” in New World. Insisted
to the end of his life (1506) he had succeeded in finding Asia
(which is why we don’t live in North Columbia)
• Balboa discovered Pacific Ocean off Panama in 1513
• 1522 Ferdinand Magellan proved you CAN do what Columbus
said (reach Asia by sailing west), it just takes forever…
Treaty of Tordesillas
• Even though Portugal and Spain were
heading in different directions it was
clear they might “bump” and have conflicting interests- asked Pope
for a ruling
• 1493/94 Pope Alexander VI drew an imaginary line on a map that
divided all unknown lands between Spain and Portugal (expanded
1529 to include Pacific)
• Orients Spain towards Americas and empire- Portugal towards
Africa/Asia and trade (empires there too well established to conquer,
and not interested in conversion) Spain becomes a great power,
Portugal does not
The Spanish Empire in the Americas
• The Spanish never doubted that it was their destiny
to rule once they arrived in Americas. Came to
conquer, (after all their guys are called
“Conquistadors”) not negotiate. Enslaved native
populations without hesitation
• Spanish empire will eventually stretch from
California to tip of South America
• Ridiculously Small #s, but Guns, Germs and Steel
carry the day.
Aztecs
• Hernan Cortes conquers the Aztecs in 1519 (more die of Smallpox
than battle). Major factor in victory is the fact that Aztecs rule a
tribute nation, many of their “subject” tribes supported
Europeans (poor choice in the end)
• Aztecs had a decent stash of gold/gems etc… sent back to Spain.
Fed Spanish desire- convinced “El Dorado” could be found
• Protestant countries will eventually speak of “Black Legend” of
Spanish Conquistadors as ruthless murderers who were intent on
willful destruction of native culture. In reality- all Europeans
thought their way was the right way, and had no hesitation using
force to achieve their goals- the Spanish just did it to more
people.
Incas
• Francisco Pizarro conquered invaded 1532
by exploiting a civil war between two
brothers competing for the throne. Captured
and Killed emperor (Inca) Atahualpa, took until 1540 to have full
control of the empire
• Peru ended up being incredibly valuable treasure-wise, there were
already massive silver mines in the Andes, and Spanish could just
take things over and send the $$ home
Exploration and Settlement of North America
• 1565 Spanish found St Augustine Fl, the 1st permanent European
settlement in North America.
• English/French/Dutch etc… shut out of Treaty of Tordesillas- and
had some other things to deal with- Reformation and wars of
Religion. They do a little exploring, and harass Spanish treasure
shipping (Elizabeth I’s “Sea Dogs”) but don’t really get in the
game until the 1600s.
Mercantilism
• Prevailing economic theory of the 1500-1700s. Idea was the Gov’t
should constantly intervene in the economy, esp directing trade. Very
important that a country should have a “favorable balance of trade”
meaning more exports than imports, and a healthy supply of cash on
hand
• Colonies are PERFECT for mercantilism. They provide raw materials (and
treasure if you are lucky) and a market for goods.
Spanish Exploration and settlement
• Exploration is one long treasure hunt. Juan Ponce de Leon,
Francisco Coronado, and Hernan De Soto moved it north into
what would become the US in the 1500s- exploring Florida, and
much of the Southern US west of the Mississippi. Found no gold
here, but set up trading posts and missions to force Christianity
on native populations- had a much harder time subduing
nomads, they aren’t interested in chasing them around. Pueblos
their main conquest in N. America
Encomienda
• Used same labor system they had in central and south America.
• Claim the land, and all the people who live on it become “serfs” of that
land. (not full slavery b/c they weren’t personal property- but not free
either)
• Really not overly successful system for the Spanish. 1st of all, Native
Americans has HIGH mortality rate. 2nd many weren’t good at the type
of labor Spanish wanted, this is why Europeans will eventually turn to
African Slavery.
Pope’s Rebellion
• Juan de Onate est. New Mexico 1598
conquering Pueblo territory Santa Fe becomes
capital in 1610. Priests come in and force
Christianity on population (typical practice) But many natives continued
to practice underground, and in 1680 a group of several hundred were
punished with public flogging for “backsliding”.
• Touched off a rebellion led by an native religious leader (Pope) who
killed dozens of clergy and 350 Spanish settlers- managed to kick
Spanish out of their territory for nearly 10 years, it took until 1696 for
Spanish to regain full control. Huge retaliations, 90% of Pueblo
population died between 1550 and 1700.
Dutch Exploration and Settlement
• Netherlands has been trade based since middle ages- poor land for
agriculture. Became Protestant- Calvinist in 1500s (and fought 30 years war)
• Protestant Work Ethic: believed that God admired hard work, and helped
those who helped themselves. If you weren’t making $$ you aren’t trying hard
enough.
• Took their main model from Portugal- another small country, used trading
posts rather than empire. Muslims/Asians preferred Dutch to Portuguese- no
effort at conversion.
• Dutch gov’t decentralized, pioneered idea of using Joint Stock Companies to
fund exploration. Dutch East India Co the most famous and profitable.
New Netherlands
• 1609 sent Henry Hudson to look for NW passage. (and
People will keep looking for 200 years- IT’S NOT THERE!!)
Explored Hudson River in 1614 and est trade post at Albany.
• 1624 Dutch WEST India Co given exclusive rights to trade in Americasdecided to found a trade base: New Amsterdam on the island of
Manhattan. Not a big territory- they are here to trade, not conquer
• Divided land, and sold shared to Patroons: who agree to import laborers to
work the land. Attracted a diverse population, people from many parts of
Europe. Offered Religious Tolerance (had decided those wars were bad for
trade)
French Exploration and Settlement
• Jacques Cartier explored St Lawrence in 1530s. Samuel de Champlain est a
permanent settlement at Quebec in 1608. Travel/trade across upper Great
Lakes, Robert La Salle will sail down the Mississippi in 1682, New Orleans
founded 1718 to block Spanish growth in Gulf of Mexico
• Also used trade pattern, had best relation with Natives (used gifts to win
good trade). Fur trade most profitable- and led to greater exploration of
interior “Coureurs des bois” (runners of the woods) Befriended Algonquins
and Hurons (enemies of Huron)
• Brought in Jesuits to attempt conversion, impressed Indians with their
ability to endure torture.
• Like Spain, all French colonies property of king- Canada was a tough sell for
settlement. Wouldn’t allow religious dissenters (Huguenots) to come.
British Beginnings
• Rather late start in Colonial game• 1400-1500s occupied by War of the Roses
(Cousins War) and dynastic struggles of Tudors…won’t be until
reign of Elizabeth (and defeat of Spanish Armada 1588) that they
get in the game. Roanoke 1st attempt at colony under Sir Walter
Raleigh. “Lost Colony” it disappears- still a mystery.
• But once they DO get in, there are several factors that impact
English colonialization
Population Boom
• Impact of crops from Columbian Exchange HUGE for population of
Europe as a whole, and England’s population doubles between 1500
and 1650. This leads to inflation and increased demand for all goods
• In order to make more $$, landowners begin to use scientific farming
methods and Enclosure (remember this from last year?) which limits the
amount of land peasants have available. Many will become industrial
workers eventually, but for those with some means, gov’t supports
them going to colonies. This is different from Spanish or French royals
colonies- and will have a important impact on why WE turn out the way
we do- we have a much larger European/native American ratio.
English Reformation
• Henry VIII “quit” the Catholic church primarily because
he wanted ultimate power to rest with the king.
Protestant doctrine of Anglican church not significantly
different. But Protestantism in Scotland
(Presbyterianism) had significant differences- it’s
Calvinist. Many in England felt Anglican church had not
made enough changes… they want to “Purify” it- and
become Calvinists as well, Puritans.
• Elizabeth I pursued religious moderation- but her
Governments in North America
• Once again unlike Spanish or French, England had many “types”
of colonies.
• There were Royal colonies but also Proprietary and Corporate
colonies; those controlled by a nobleman or founded by joint
stock companies.
• This created a variety of government regulations and styles, and
greater independence of colonial governments. King didn’t tend
to send all powerful “viceroys” and territories were relatively
small (compared to say “New Spain”) Independent colonial land
ownership the norm.
Social Patterns
• Because the majority of population in British colonies was European
(shoved Native Americans out of way) there was not the struggle
between Euro/native typical in Latin America. Southern colonies had
greatest rigidity in race issues as slavery developed.
• Overall, because land available- there was vastly greater social
mobility than in European society- which was a major motivation to
come, right from the start, people came to make $$
• One way that poor people GOT here was through Indentured
Servitude. This practice will limit slavery during the early years of
colonization.
Relations with Indians
• Most of the Native Americans who lived in areas colonized by the
British and French were at least semi-nomadic….made it easier to
get them to move. That’s what the British want, they don’t want to
“conquer”, they just want them to go away. (helped by the same
population decimation from European diseases)
• As Europeans arrive Indians are forced west- which actually
created greater conflict between tribal groups than with
Europeans
Summary of Relations between
Europeans and Amerindians
Spain
France
England
Encomienda system
Trade
Removal
Mission system
Jesuits
Pequot & King
Pope’s Rebellion
Alliances
Philip’s Wars
Mestizos
Enemy of Iroquois
Anglo-Powhatan Wars
The 13 Colonies
• 1607 Jamestown Virginia the 1st permanent British colony in the
New World. Then came the Pilgrims and Puritans (not the same
thing) of Massachusetts in the 1620s.
• Between 1607 and 1690 the majority of British colonies will
come into being: Virginia, Massachusetts, Maryland,
Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Carolina (eventually
Split) New York and New Jersey (taken from Dutch) and
Pennsylvania
Southern Colonies: General Characteristics
• From early days will be dominated by large (plantation) agriculture.
Tobacco and Rice 1st important crops. Slavery in colonies as of 1620,
but majority of work done by indentured servants until late 1600s
• Land ownership in smallest number of hands compared to other
colonies- the south will have “landed aristocrats”. This also leads to
smaller populations than other colonies, or at least lower population
density.
• Because many are royal- most have Anglican Church as “official”
church (Maryland exception) however most are fairly tolerant of all
sects of Christianity.
Settlement in Virginia
• Founded by Virginia Company. Planned to use the Spanish model, came
looking for Gold and Trade (looking for that dang NW Passage)
• Colony nearly failed 1607-08, b/c most of the people who came were
from upper classes (comparatively) and didn’t do a lot of “work”. Which
forced John Smith’s famous “He who does not work shall not eat”
pronouncement. Worst segment was “starving time” in winter of 1610.
Where 340 of 400 settlers die. Only 1200 of 8000 settlers who arrive
before 1625 will survive. It will be tobacco that saves Virginia…
(introduced by John Rolfe, married to Pocohantas)
Powhatan Confederacy
• Powhatans were the local tribe. Began fairly cooperatively with
colonists, but became more hostile as it became clear that
English had no intention of sharing land. And once tobacco
(which depletes soil and therefore needs TONS of land) is in the
picture things get even worse.
• 1622 Powhatans attack- killing nearly 1/3 of the English
population. But English come back with reinforcements and
pretty much wipe out the tribe.
House of Burgesses
• Original company charter promised settlers the same rights they
had at home. (unique) Rocky circumstances forced a fairly military
regime during the early years, but in 1618 the company created an
elected legislature: the House of Burgesses (landowners) Not full
democracy. Only landowners vote, company appoints governor. But
still a step.
• 1624 charter was up, and King James I decided to make Virginia a
Royal colony, (he hates tobacco, and wanted to try and change
colonial focus- unsuccessful) king would appoint royal governor but
allowed the House of Burgesses to remain.
Maryland
• Founded 1632 as a proprietary colony by George Calvert (Lord
Baltimore)
• By this point tobacco is a viable economy, and Calvert was looking to
increase his fortune. But he had another motivation, he was from one
of the last noble families in England to still practice Catholicism.
Catholics in England faced discrimination and persecution. Hoped
Maryland would be a haven for them.
Act of Toleration
• 1st settlers were 20 catholic families, and 200 protestants. From
the outset, protestants outnumbered Catholics in the colony
(as they did in England) and they brought their prejudices with
them. Protestants resented privileges and land grants given to
Catholics.
• 1649 Act of Toleration passed: Guaranteeing equal protection
of the law to all Christians. (but not anyone else)
Maryland Act of Toleration, excerpt
… Be it Therefore also by the Lord Proprietary with the advise and
consent of this Assembly Ordeyned and enacted …that no person or
persons whatsoever within this Province…thereunto belonging
professing to believe in Jesus Christ, shall from henceforth be any ways
troubled, Molested or discountenanced for or in respect of his or her
religion nor in the free exercise thereof within this Province or the
Islands thereunto belonging nor any way compelled to the belief or
exercise of any other Religion against his or her consent…
Life in the Chesapeake
• Really tough in early years- if you came from England- your life
expectancy DECREASED by 10 years. ½ of all children born in
Virginia and Maryland don’t survive to grow up- less than 25% of
population lives past 50.
• Malaria, Dysentery and Typhoid major causes of death (bacteria in
warm water)
• Most immigrants men in their 20s- women scares before 1700
• Things begin to stabilize after 1700- develop immunities, more
women etc… in 1700 Virginia has largest pop of any British colony
(50,000) and Maryland 3rd largest (30,000)
Protestant Reformation
• Martin Luther/John Calvin broke with Catholic Church
beginning in 1517 on matter of doctrine. Luther’s big thing
was Salvation on Faith alone
• Calvin’s was Predestination: God knows everything you will
do before you are even born, and therefore has decided
your fate (heaven or not) before you are born. However…if
you lead a morally upright life, and are already destined for
heaven, you will have a Conversion Experience, where God
lets you know you are one of the “Elect”
Puritans
• Henry VIII had split with Church b/c of power, not doctrine.
Therefore, the doctrine of the Anglican Church was very similar to
Catholicism. Many did not feel that was ENOUGH of a change, that
Anglicanism was not TRULY protestant. Many will choose to leave
England altogether and come to the colonies for religious reasons.
Two major groups came
• Separatists (Pilgrims): wanted a full break with the Anglican church,
to create something entirely new based on Calvinist theory.
Believed only “Saints” (those who had received “covenant”, the
blessing of God) should be church members. Very small group
• Non Separatists (Puritans): Wanted to reform the Anglican church
from within. Much larger #s, will be the dominant force in New
England character.
Plymouth
• Pilgrims had already left England to live in Netherlands (Calvinist) But they
didn’t like it. Got permission from Virginia company to settle on their landsand 102 people (both Separatist and plain Puritan) set off for new world in
1620. Missed Virginia- landed on Cape Cod, and knew they were in the wrong
place- that’s why they created the Mayflower Compact: to create order. (got rights
to land 1626- but never had an actual charter) Agreement to abide by the will of
the majority (only male churchmembers will get to vote ad majority)
• Like Jamestown, Plymouth had tough first years. ½ died 1st winter (they land in
October, no time for crops)- 1621 Squanto (a Wampanoag indian) teaches them to
grow corn, and use plants in area so by harvest they are ready for “Thanksgiving”
Mayflower Compact, 1620
-- Rule of the majority (meaning adult male church members)
“Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, … and honor of our King
and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern
parts of Virginia, …covenant and combine ourselves together into
a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation… and
by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and
equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time
to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the
general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due
submission and obedience.”
Success of the Pilgrims
• Developed the basic econ pattern of New England: Fur,
Fishing, Lumber with subsistence agriculture for
settlers.
• William Bradford elected governor 30 times. Miles
Standish military leader
• Plymouth was always small (never larger than 7000
people), in 1691 it will merge with Massachusetts Bay
The Great Migration
• Charles I was not a fan of puritans, which represented a significant
number of members of parliament. Charles dismissed parliament in 1629,
and sanctioned persecution of puritans (with special taxes etc..) by
Archbishop Laud
• Massachusetts Bay Est 1630- by Puritans. Far more organized and
planned than Pilgrims at Plymouth- 700 people came in 1st group, 2000 in
1631, 12,000 will be there by 1640, 20,000 by 1642. (Actually over 60,000
people will leave England, other go to West Indies etc) Had a Royal
Charter- not corporate (King Charles gave them good terms to leave)
though within their own group they will create a joint-stock situation.
Great Migration end with the start of the English Civil War (1642-49) and
Puritan rule of England under Cromwell eliminated the need to leave.
Massachusetts Bay
• Came with a plan- “We Shall Build a City Upon a Hill” meaning a model
community. Well equipped, skilled and resourceful, the 1st colony to “thrive”
immediately. John Winthrop 1st Governor
• Believed that God would favor them as long as they maintained a “moral”
society- that they had been chosen for a “Covenant” with God to build a new
world. The “Elect” (or Saints) were responsible for those in the community who
had not received God’s blessing, any male churchmember can be a part of gov’t
(about 2/5 of population)
• Created a gov’t based on English model- a 2 house legislature, a governor, and an
independent judiciary. Land distributed based on original investment, and all
towns planned. Townhall meeting often help up as model of pure democracy,
because even those w/o a vote could speak (men)
Connecticut: Fundamental Orders
• Founded 1636, by a group of Boston Puritans (under Rev.
Thomas Hooker) to moved down coast looking for better
farmland. Also felt rule of law in Mass was rather arbitrary and
oppressive- wanted more individual freedom. New Havenfounded by separatists who wanted MORE rules, separate until
1660
• 1639 wrote Fundamental Orders of Connecticut: the 1st official
“constitution” in American History (in that it was a completely
defined organization of govt). Provided for representative
democracy of landowning men (not only churchmembers)
Map of Colonial
New England
Relations with Indians
• Calvinists aren’t into conversion- if God wants you he’ll
let you know. And since Natives clearly NOT elect, they
have no role in model society- Puritans tended to avoid them.
• But, as time went by….Puritans needed more and more land, and that
got annoying for the Indians
Pequot War/King Philip’s war
(2 slides)
• Pequot War: Pequot were a tribe in the Connecticut Valley. In
1637 two Puritans were killed in an Indian raid (though not by
Pequots) English raid a Pequot village in retaliation, and conflict
ensued. Ended with Puritans killing most of the tribe, esp at
attack at Mystic river- where 400 natives died
• King Philip’s War: Last serious native challenge to settlement in
New England. 1675-76 An alliance of tribes led by Chief
Metacom of Wapanoag (whom the English called King Philip. 52
of 90 Puritan towns attacked, bloodiest war ever fought in New
England. Metacom killed (head kept on a pike in Plymouth for 20
years)
Life in New England
• Unlike Chesapeake- where single men came to make a fortune- New England
colonists came as families, so greater balance of women, children etc… (and
puritans racked up big families, with wonderfully bizarre names like Charity,
Humiliation, Silence, Repentance, and Abstinence)
• Climate much healthier- it’s cold, but that kills bacteria/germs, people who
came to New England had a life expectancy 10 years greater than if they had
stayed at home, 70 years
• Religion primary focus of family and social life. Only church members could
vote (and have to have been “saved” to be a member) Strict moral conduct
required, and severe fines for “wrongdoings” like fornication (scarlet letter
anyone) drinking or “idleness”.
• Less ethnic diversity- you didn’t want to come to New England in early colonial
period if you weren’t a Puritan- didn’t attract others.
Church Leadership
• Ministers influenced admission to church membership by conducting
public interrogations of people claiming to have experienced
conversion.
• YET- clergy were NOT allowed to hold elected office, which was
important in idea of separation of church and state. Congregations also
had autonomous power to hire and fire ministers, they “led” by consent
of the governed.
New England confederation
• 1643 four Puritan colonies (Mass Bay, Plymouth,
Connecticut, New Haven- Rhode Island not welcome) agreed
to work together for common defense. (England in the
middle of Civil War at home, colonists feared Dutch or
French would move in and threaten them, and there was
always the worry of Indian attack)
• Agreed to share cost of war (if needed) for each colony to
provide soldiers, and to make no treaties w/o the others
consent.
• Never really tested, no wars come. Important b/c it’s the 1st
time colonies ever try to work together, and recognition that
they are stronger together than they are apart.
The Puritan Contribution to American Character
• Democracy via independent local churches and townhall meetings.
• Local control of politics- and ability to make changes- consent of
governed. Tightly knit communities, care about home rather than
abroad.
• Perfectionism: not enough to “try” and be “good enough” the goal
was perfection of society, it may never happen, but we should
never stop reaching for it.
• Protestant work ethic- Don’t wait for a handout- work harder.
• Value of education- 1st colleges (Harvard 1636) to train clergy. Read
your Bible, New England most literate part of the country.
Exiles: Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson
(2 slides)
• If you get in trouble in a Puritan
community they may kick you outliterally. Another community MIGHT be
willing to take you in….but you could be
stuck with nowhere to go.
• Roger Williams: Challenged Mass Bay
policies- particularly regarding Native
Americans (said it wasn’t fair Puritans
just “took” it) Also said gov’t had no
right to regulate religious behavior
(church compulsory), said that was
between a person and God
Anne Hutchinson: Also questioned
church rules- said people could read
bible at home for themselves- had no
need of a church to find salvation
(Luther). Antinomianism: if a person
is “elect” then they don’t need to
follow any rules- it’s done. Really she
offended most by being a well read,
intelligent woman. Tried for Heresy
twice (once while pregnant) and way
out talked those who questioned her.
Rhode Island
• Roger Williams proclaimed “Liberty of Conscience”
banished 1635 – he founds a rival colony at Providence in
1636 (By BUYING land from Natives). Hallmark of colony was
COMPLETE religious tolerance- even for non Christians
(Indian Religions and Jews) Got an official charter in 1644
• Also known for entire separation between church and stateno taxes to support church. (which was done in Chesapeake
and rest of New England) Williams himself founded the 1st
Baptist congregation in New World in 1640
• Developed most individualistic and independent population
in Northern ½ of colonies (N Carolina will be the other)
Decline of Puritanism/Halfway covenant
• Puritanism is a religion that takes a lot of zeal and
commitment- and that declined as time went on. Ministers
go in for plenty of hellfire and brimstone preaching,
(Jeremiad ministers like Cotton Mather who wrote “Sinners
in the Hands of an Angry God”) but not as effective as it
used to be. 2nd generation just not as into it- children of non
elect could not be church members
• Halfway Covenant 1662: sought to attract people to the
church by giving “partial” membership (including vote) to
“unsaved” who would agree to be baptized. Shows they are
getting needy, by 1680s anyone could just “join” church.
Restoration Colonies
• Charles I executed by Parliament in 1649. 1649-1658
England led (ruled) by Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell in
the name of Parliament. Held title “lord protector”really ruled as a military dictator. Didn’t do much with
colonies- spent a lot of time terrorizing Ireland.
• 1660 Parliament “restored” Charles II to the throne, and
England got back to colonial business. A number of
colonies founded as proprietorships, gifts from the king
for those who had supported him in exile, or been
instrumental in his return to the throne
Carolina
• 1663. Given as a gift to a group of 8 men, the “Lord Proprietors”
who were personal friends of Charles II. (they named it after him)
The proprietors had no intention of moving here, they would run it
as a business, specifically for trade with the West Indies (they
would grow the food for Caribbean plantations– land there too
valuable to waste on anything but sugar) Charles Town (Charleston)
largest port and city in the South.
• West Indies is a slave based plantation econ, and Carolinas develop
on that model right from the beginning, Rice will be the 1st
important plantation export crop. Eventually two econs will
develop, plantation/non planation in the North and South (based
on geography and type of crop) South becomes identified with
planter aristocracy, North with small farmers/dissenters. Colony
will eventually split as well
New York
• Charles gave land to his younger brother (and eventually
successor) James, Duke of York in 1664. Granted land between
Connecticut and Delaware Rivers. Only one little issue, the
Dutch claim a portion of that same land, esp along the Hudson
River.
• Very diverse population- multiethnic as well as multicultural.
Maintained a variety of Dutch cultural practices, but shifted to
English legal code with the Duke’s Laws est in 1665
Fall of New Netherlands
• New Netherlands/New Amersterdam (NYC) Hemmed in from
many sides- English East/West, Swedes (Delaware) to the
South, Indians all around (who are not fans of the Dutch)
• 1664 Charles II announces his intention of attacking and taking
Dutch territory- when troops arrive Peter Stuyvesant (Gov)
surrenders w/o firing a shot.
• NY flourishes under British rule, profiting from est Dutch trade,
and attracting more agricultural workers.
Leisler’s Rebellion
• Still, NY retains an autocratic character, which discouraged
Europeans from coming.
• 1691 a group of poor farmers inspired by Glorious Revolution
decided to overthrow colonial gov’t a replace it with more
democracy. Led by Jacob Leisler. Revolt failed, and NY
remained aristocratic, but an indication that lower classes were
not going to accept a full transfer of European social rigidity to
transfer to new world.
New Jersey
• James took part of HIS land grant and re-gifted it to friends Sir
George Carteret and Lord John Berkley. English population
grew more quickly than NY, as the new proprietors had
generous land terms to attract settlers
• Limited Freedom of Religion, representative assembly
Pennsylvania
• Given to William Penn as payment for a loan owed to Penn’s father.
Proprietary with religious motives- Penn was a Quaker (Society of Friends)
a religion not well accepted in England OR the colonies (only legal in RI
before PA)
• Quakers emphasized an “inner light” a personal connection to the divine.
Both men and women considered equal in the sight of God (gasp) Pacifist
and anti-slavery
• PA gave religious freedom to all Christians. Advertised for settlers in
Germany and Netherlands as well as England, so another colony with
diversity. And like Massachusetts, recruited the skills they needed to build
a successful colony. Peaceful relations with Natives (bought land from
Indians) Most democratic of Restoration colonies
17th Century Resistance to Colonial Authority
• As colonies were founded, the need for support was clear, as
was a feeling by all colonists that they were in things
“together”. But as the early years passed, social and economic
patterns in Europe and the colonies began to shift, which
created questions about who determines the right to rule, and
how much power those with wealth should have over those
who don’t.
Colonial Class Struggle and Lifestyle
• The majority of those who came were neither the top nor bottom
of society. (those wealthy at home at little incentive to leave, the
poor lacked the means) Many here resented the rules which
blocked their rise in Europe, and wanted a more egalitarian society.
– Common people too numerous to be subjugated
– Middle class influential from start
• Besides- Frontier doesn’t lend itself to rigid class distinctions. 80%
were small farmers/business owners in 1750
• Yet overall- American Colonies had a higher standard of living (for
entire population) than Europe. Land was cheap, wages 3x what
they were in Europe.
th
17
Century Southern Society
s
Plantation Owners
Yeoman
Farmers
Landless Farmers
Indentured Servants
Slaves
Categories are approximations
The Glorious Revolution
• James II inherited throne from his brother Charles II in 1685 (who never married
or had children) James had grown up in France- in court of Louis XIV, he had some
absolutist ideas- AND he was Catholic. But came to throne a (fairly) old man, and
his two grown daughters are Anglican, so parliament figures they’ll wait it out.
• But James married again- a French princess (more absolutism and Catholicism) and
they had a son in 1688. Parliament decides they don’t want to play this game- so
they “invite” oldest daughter Mary, and her husband William of Orange (Ruler of
the Netherlands) to take the throne. Bloodless, therefore “glorious” revolution
• Bill of Right: as a condition of rule, William and Mary agree that they will not keep
an army or levy taxes w/o the consent of parliament. They also promise not to
suspend parliament, or interfere with elections. Essentially this is what makes
England a Constitutional Monarchy- the powers of the king are limited by law.
Americans will remember this during the Revolution…..
Bacon’s Rebellion
• Virginia 1676. Gov of Virginia (William Berkeley) was corrupt. Laws were
designed to favor tobacco planation owners. Tobacco needs land, and gov’t put
restrictions on who could buy it, and how much they could get, which seemed
very unfair. Also, disenfranchised landless settlers (who had originally been
able to vote) many of whom were former indentured servants
• Nathanial Bacon was actually a wealthy man. But organized the rebellion b/c
he felt system was unfair, and he didn’t like Berkeley. Called for a change in
gov’t, and for the removal of Natives from frontier land to open it for
settlement. (Berkeley refused to retaliate against Indians when they attacked
along frontier b/c he made $$ trading for fur with them.) Bacon attacked
Indians, burned Jamestown, and took control of colony….until English sent
troops to restore order.
• After Rebellion planter elite became careful to gain support of ordinary men.
BUT, one of the most significant results was a shift towards slave labor as
opposed to indentured servitude
VI. 18th Century Southern Society
s
Plantation Owners
Yeoman Farmers
Landless Farmers
Indentured Servants
Slaves
Categories are approximations
Global Exchanges
• Had profound impact for both Europe and New World in the
positive and negative sense. The Biological exchange most
famous, but entirely new economic patterns also developed,
which will lead to shifts in power and entirely new theories on
wealth and power
• Global Empires possible for the 1st time in human history.
Commercial Revolution will lead to Capitalism as dominant
econ force
Columbian Exchange
• Global diffusions of crops, animals and diseases during age of
exploration.
• Devastation of Amerindian population famous- but long term
created worldwide population growth not shrinkage
The Great Circuit/Atlantic Economy
• Treasure of Spaniards didn’t last past 1600s (the silver mines of Peru gave
out over time) Tobacco and Sugar were the 1st important crops of the New
World. Sugar needs massive capital/labor investment, it was
planation/slave from start. Portuguese introduced African slavery
• Atlantic Circuit (Triangle Trade): Ships go from Europe to Africa with
manufactured goods. Pick up slaves (Middle Passage) and take them to
new world (primarily Caribbean) where they are sold and goods from New
World are taken back to Europe to start all over again. Spanish crossed
Pacific as well for trade with Asia, which they Portaged overland at Panama
rather than sail all the way around.