Colonial Society in the 18th Century
Introduction Colonial society had grown and matured in the 17th century Had a culture different from any other in Europe Two central questions: 1. What were the new characteristics? 2. What forces shaped these new people?
Population Growth 1700 to 1775: Whites--250K to 2.5M Africans--28K to 500K WHY? 1. immigration 2. high birthrate: good food supply and early marriage age
Population Growth European Immigrants Western and central Europeans came for two reasons: escape religious persecution or seek economic opportunity Most settle in middle and western edge of southern colonies--puritan control of NE made it less desirable English: numbers small, as economy good at home German: preferred west PA, maintained customs, 6% of pop. by 1775 Scotch-Irish: pressured by British to leave Ireland, 7% by 1775 Other: French, Dutch, Swedes, 5% by 1775
Population Growth Africans By 1775, Africans (slave + free) make 20% of population 90% live in the South, in bondage majority of the population in SC and GA EVERY colony had discriminatory laws and limited rights of Africans, free and slave
The Structure of Society General Characteristics English culture dominated, though immigrants and Africans are adding diversity Every colony elected their own assembly; two elected their own governor Religious freedom, though varied degree: MA least tolerant, RI/PA most tolerant No hereditary aristocracy, but narrow class system: wealthy landowners down to craftsmen and small farmers Hard work would improve standard of living for all but Africans
The Structure of Society The Family 90% of population lives on farm: more kids is a good thing MEN: landowners and politicians almost exclusively; unlimited power in the home, wife had few rights WOMEN: avg. of 8 children (!); does all household work; educates the children; works next to husband on farm, in shop, etc. coverture: women s legal/property rights were covered by her husband (forfeited) after marriage Some protection from abuse offered to women by the co-dependent nature of colonial life
The Economy 1760s: half of English trade was with the colonies limited manufacturing in the colonies: rum and flour growing cities led to increase in doctors, lawyers, teachers, ministers, but... rich land + mercantilism = AGRICULTURE as a primary econ. activity
The Economy New England rocky soil + long winter = subsistence farming only logging, shipbuilding, fishing, trading and rum-distilling were primary Middle Colonies rich soil > immigrant farmers wheat, corn exported to Europe and Indies farms up to 200 acres common, servants and hired hands helped iron-making and trade were there, but small
The Economy Southern Colonies range of farms from subsistence to plantations over 2,000 acres Cash crops: tobacco, rice, indigo Shortage of indentured servants leads to massive slavery Plantations are self-sufficient: food, craftsmen all on site Carolinas: exports of timber, naval stores (tar and pitch) River location = plantation exports direct to Europe
The Economy Monetary System English limits: 1. Money--colonies forced to use gold and silver 2. Imports--British imports increase and exceed colonial exports 3. Protectionism--British gov t vetoed laws that harmed British merchants
The Economy Transportation Water routes easier and faster Boston, NY, Philadelphia, Charleston had good harbors and rivers Taverns: lodging for travelers, also social centers for news and politics Postal system: horses and small ships used, within and between colonies by mid-century
RELIGION Protestant Dominance established churches: those supported by tax money 1. Church of England (Anglican)-VA wealthy farmers/merchants, symbol of English control 2. Congregational Church-MA/CT successors to Puritans, seen by many as domineering and complex as diversity increased, tax requirements removed from members of nonestablished churches some direct tax support through 1800
RELIGION The Great Awakening Protestant sermons had been emphasizing God s perfect universe, long, too intellectual less emphasis on human sin and threat of damnation 1730s/40s: revival of fervent religious expression and feeling Two central figures, though many preachers took advantage of the movement:
RELIGION The Great Awakening Jonathan Edwards: began in MA with sermon called Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God argued God was angry with human sinfulness repent and live, ignore and burn George Whitefield: traveled the colonies, ignited the movement spoke in barns, tents, fields, up to 10K at a time described in detail the torments that await anyone who doesn t openly accept Christ; said people don t need a minister to lead them
RELIGION Religious Impact tearful confessions, exultation at salvation emotionalism became an integral part of Protestant religious practice Many people began to study the bible on their own, and ministers lost some authority Conflict within churches: New Lights support the Awakening, Old Lights condemn it Baptist and Methodist sects emerge and attract many away from older churches Increased religious diversity Early calls for separation of church and state
Political Impact from all social classes, Americans first common shared experience unique to them democratizing: if ministers are not the authority in religion, maybe wealthy aren t really authority in political decisions? RELIGION
Cultural Life With survival assured, people begin to realize other pursuits... Arts and Sciences Georgian style of architecture: eastern seaboard, includes large entry hall, even spacings of windows Benjamin West/John Copley: Englishtrained portrait artists Literature: Religion--Cotton Mather, Jonathan Edwards Politics--John Adams, Thomas Paine, John Dickinson Popular culture--poor Richard s Almanack Poetry--Phyllis Wheatley (slavery) Science--Franklin and John Bartram
Cultural Life With survival assured, people begin to realize other pursuits... Education New England: Puritans create first tax-supported schools--learn the bible--for boys only Middle Colonies: church-sponsored or private schools--teachers often lived with student families South: plantations=tutors--all others gave as much education to their kids as possible
Cultural Life With survival assured, people begin to realize other pursuits... Education Higher Ed: Seminary prep--harvard 1636; William and Mary (Anglican) 1694 and Yale (Congregational) 1701 Princeton 1746 King s College 1754 Brown 1764 Rutgers 1766 Dartmouth 1769 University of Pennsylvania 1765: NO religious foundation...ben Franklin was there for the opening
Cultural Life With survival assured, people begin to realize other pursuits... Professions Physicians: often trained only as apprentices, first medical college at PA in 1765 Lawyers: trade expands > legalities are more complex > need expert help in court Bar formed to set standards Much respect in the 60s/70s as arguments over colonists rights emerge with Adams, Otis, Henry
Cultural Life With survival assured, people begin to realize other pursuits... The Press 1725 to 1776: newspapers from 5 to 40 in the colonies First cartoon: Philadelphia Gazette, Ben Franklin editor Find that cartoon! Zenger Case, 1735 Peter Zenger put on trial for libel-- offended the NY Governor--argued that his statements were true jury aquits Zenger, even though it was common to jail for libel, even if true first step toward a free press
Cultural Life With survival assured, people begin to realize other pursuits... Rural Folkways most colonists never read paper or books--no time Farmers: four seasons--planting, growing, harvesting, preparing Wealthy: card-playing, horse racing (South) theatre (Middle) and religious lectures (New England) National Character exercised free speech/press, participated in elections, tolerated religious variety all caused by reasons for leaving Europe, political culture of England, natural environment
Politics Government Structure Governors either appointed (11) or elected (2) Legislatures all had two houses: lower houses (assemblies) all elected by voters--they voted on taxes; upper house appointed (11) or elected (2) Local Government: NE=town meetings, South=counties and sheriffs for enforcement Make a chart of each colony, and how their Governors and Legislatures operated.
Politics Voting Limited democracy: white women, poor white men, all slaves and most free blacks cannot vote, though they are a collective majority Religious restrictions had been removed in MA, but property requirements still there Who is represented? VA: wealthy landowners only MA: some small farmers, but elite still had power commoners deferred to the judgement of their betters for decisions; white males ONLY can participate still, self-government unusual for the time