OLLI at Duke The Role of the American Colonies in the

Development of an “American” Form of Government/1607-1776

Eric Johnson/Presenter

Our analysis of the development of the “American Colonies” from 1607-1776 has to begin in 1492 with Christopher Columbus and his belief that he could get to the rich Asian trade ports faster by sailing west instead of traveling east around Africa or using inland trade routes. (interesting note: there are historians who believe that Columbus was in possession of maps that would help him on this mission — but he kept that bit of information secret).

After peddling his ideas throughout Europe with no success in attaining financial assistance he turned finally to Spain and Ferdinand and Isabella. Spain, recently united by marriage, Queen Isabella saw some potential in investing in this scheme and agreed to finance Columbus’ expedition in return for all land discovered being claimed for Spain, any riches (especially gold) discovered, and recognition as a world power should Columbus be successful.

We also need to understand the development of a new economic system that emerges as a result of increased exploration of both the old and new worlds.

Columbus’ “discovery” of the New World, and many new products that would become very popular in Europe, created the “Columbian Exchange”: the exchange of new and old world plants, animals, and minerals that created a great demand for trade as European governments began to realize the vast potential for wealth and power.

This new economic system became known as “mercantilism” and created competition among the European powers of Spain, Portugal, France, and The Netherlands — note that England was not yet interested — more on that later.

Mercantilism

• Mercantilism: a nation’s power was directly related to its wealth

• Balance of Trade: a goal of mercantilism; the colonists could supply raw materials to England and could buy English goods

• The European governments felt taxes were fair because profit was the goal of trade and commerce.

At the time of Viking explorations in the 1300’s other Europeans were not prepared to sponsor transatlantic exploration. It was not until the invention of navigational tools, better sailing ships -- the caravels -- and with more centralized authorities developing under the New Monarchs in England, France, and Spain that Europeans seriously began to explore, and perhaps even settle, the New World.

Four European countries began to seriously discover and find ways to gain wealth and power from New World explorations:

Spain: under the guidance and influence of Ferdinand and Isabella -- and a very favorable ruling by the church in 1494 (The Treaty of Tordesillas/Line of Demarcation) took control of the southern North American, Central American, and South American areas of the New World;

France: began to send missionaries and fur trappers to the northern part of the New World and , after discovering Hudson Bay, navigated rivers and the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River into the interior of the continent and established forts and settlements at Quebec (and placing a claim on all of Canada) and down to Louisiana.

The Netherlands: the most prosperous and successful commercial country of the time also saw monetary advantage in the New World and set up business settlements along the east coast of North American centered in New Amsterdam

England: after the death of Henry VIII and subsequent political problems with monarchs, England was a bit late arriving in the New World, but after the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, Elizabeth l was persuaded by Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake to encourage and fund private groups from England to go to the New World not just to explore but to settle. The first attempt was led by John White and was doomed to failure -- The Lost Colony of Roanoke.

As the Spanish began to “settle into” life in the New World they soon discovered that a dwindling native population could no longer support their burgeoning economic development -- a new source of labor was needed. The creation of “triangular trade routes” provided the answer -- West African labor in the form of slaves.

So, how did the British colonization of the New World begin?

It is important to note that because of its political and cultural “revolutions”, the British held very different views about government, individual rights, and the law then most other European and world powers.

The British also approached “colonization” very differently. When powers such as Spain and Portugal “colonized” they did so for financial, political, and religious gain. The “colonizers” they sent were “Conquistadores” or missionaries who really had no intention of settling in the New World.

Families would certainly not have even considered moving to an unknown part of the world.

So, when we begin to analyze British colonization we have to remember that there is a rich, and different, pattern to British development and its relation to the “American Colonies”.

1. The centuries long evolution of the English system of government: The Magna Carta (1215), the creation of “Parliaments”, and the passing of the English Bill of Rights (1688) after the “Glorious Revolution”;

2. The evolution of the system of “mercantilism” which created the demand for increased trade, the establishment of colonies, and the quest for power; AND

3. The creation of the “Charter” system of colonization by the English Parliament and King James.

All of these developments made the English system of government much different from the other governments of Europe and instilled in the people of England an understanding of the principles of “self-governing”,

Despite the centrality of slavery to its empire, eighteenth-century Great Britain prided itself on being the world’s most advanced and freest nation.

Britons believed that wealth, religion (Protestant Christianity), and freedom went together.

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The United Kingdom believed it was “An Empire of Freedom”:

Liberty was critical.

Liberty was:

a. Specific, particular rights b. Something all Englishmen possessed c. A state of mind

Britons believed that no man, even the king, was above the law.

Great men were supposed to voluntarily work to preserve the Liberty of others (the concept of Republicanism)

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Ownership of property was a common qualifier for voting in the colonies. More people could vote in the colonies than in Britain. Property qualification for holding office was far higher than for voting.

Freedom of speech was a relatively new idea.

Freedom of the press was generally viewed as dangerous.

After 1695, the British government could not censor print material and colonial newspapers defended freedom of the press as a central component of liberty.

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England’s Colonial Experiments

After the failure, and mystery, of Roanoke, Elizabeth was reluctant to fund any future endeavors to the New World, but after her death and with James l becoming the King, England was once again ready to set foot in the New World. James understood the wealth and power that could be had with successful settlement in the New World so he decided to get back into the game.

The failure of the Roanoke colonization created a fear among many in England that travel to the “New World” would be dangerous so the King and Parliament had to devise an incentive to encourage people to make the journey — so they came up with the “Charter” system. The Charter was a contract between the King/Parliament and prospective colonists. The contract had the following points:

1. The English government would provide financial and supportive aid (soldiers); 2. The “colonists” would raise funds by creating a “Joint Stock Company”; 3. The colonists had to search for gold AND create a Christian environment; 4. Once established in the New World, the colonists had to trade any goods discovered or

produced ONLY with England; 5. Any raw materials needed by the colonists HAD TO BE purchased from ONLY England; 6. (and this is the kicker!!) Due to the distance from the two lands, once established in the New

World the colonists could govern themselves provided they maintained an allegiance to the English government & King AND followed established English law and customs.

The first group of colonists to take advantage of this new Charter system was a group of businessmen who formed the “London Company”, raised funds through personal investment and the cooperation of the English government, signed a charter and set out for the “Chesapeake” region of the New World, the same area populated by the earlier Roanoke colony.

The problem was that this “Company” were all men, all businessmen, and no one in the group really had any idea of how to build, plant, and survive in the New World.

They almost all perished until John Rolfe sailed into their harbor with the smuggled plants that would lead “Jamestown” to wealth and success and create the colony of “Virginia”.

The “starving time”

The House of Burgesses 1620

Becomes the first “development” — a popularly elected representative body to address the concerns and problems of the Jamestown/Virginia colony.

Even though limited in who could participate (white males, over the age of 21, who owned land) it was the start.

The “New England” Colonies:

By 1620 they Virginia colony was flourishing and another group of English citizens began to believe that the “New World” may be the right place for them. This group was not interested in business opportunities but were interested in moving to a place that would allow them to practice their religious beliefs without the constant oppression from the English government. This group was, of course, the Protestants, made up of three groups: 1. Protestants who did not want to conform to the new Church of England; 2. Puritans who believed that their beliefs were the “purest” form of Protestantism; and, 3. Separatists, who wanted to completely separate from the Church of England.

Many of this group had attempted to move to The Netherlands, because of its Protestant environment, but found that experiment totally unsatisfactory. After moving back to Plimouth on the coast of England they began to organize a “company” of their own to raise funds for a move to the New World. This “Plimouth Company” rented a ship (The Mayflower), bought supplies, applied for a Charter from the government, and set sail in October 1620 for the Chesapeake area. This “company” consisted of families and religious leaders looking to permanently relocate to the New World mainly for religious freedom, but there were other members simply looking for a new life. But their small ship got blown off course and they found themselves in sight of land in November 1620 but 500 miles off course to the North. They wanted to get off the ship so decided to disembark and start their colony in this new land. However, before leaving the ship they made some decisions that would greatly impact the development of a new America.

Puritans/Pilgrims & The Mayflower

Mayflower Compact & early difficult times (and the “first Thanksgiving”?)

theocracy, Anne Hutchinson/Roger Williams & Providence

Thomas Hooker & The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

John Mason, Ferdinand Gorges, “Strawbery Banke” & New Hampshire

These colonists set out under difficult circumstances but created some important political, social, and religious beliefs:

QUESTION:

After the settlement of Jamestown/Virginia and the New England colonies, what social and/or political trends/developments were taking place that would later shape the new American government and society?

The “Middle Colonies”:

As the colonies of Virginia and New England continued to flourish, other groups in England decided to look to the New World as a land of opportunity as well, and the King and Parliament were more than willing to issue Charters to any group who applied so as to expand their holdings in the New World as a counter to French and Spanish exploration and to perhaps increase their wealth as well.

The Chesapeake region was the draw for this group of colonists because of the business of tobacco, fertile land, and a more accepting environment.

This region was organized by a diverse collection of “colonists”: a man owed a large debt by the King; Catholics also seeking a place to peacefully practice their religion, and farmers wishing to take advantage of fertile lands and to start a new life as prosperous small businessmen.

New Amsterdam becomes New York

William Penn & the Quakers

Maryland Religious Toleration Act, 1647

the “bread basket”

Dutch Influence in NYC:

“Sinterklaas” (aka Santa Claus & traditions) ice skating bars (1st government town hall/Stadt Huys - a tavern) cookies (to test ovens) pancakes, waffles “stoop” (from stoep); “boss” (from baas)

place names:

Amsterdam Avenue Brooklyn Yonkers Coney Island Greenwich Village Bedford-Stuyvesant Harlem

Aristocratic Englishman.

1660 – attracted to the Quaker faith.

Embraced Quakerismafter military service.

1681 ! he received a grant from king toestablish a colony.

▪ This settled a debt the king owed his father.

▪ Named Pennsylvania [“Penn’s Woodland”].

He sent out paid agents and advertised for settlers ! his pamphlets were pretty honest.

▪ Liberal land policy attracted many immigrants.

William Penn

Pennsylvania & The QuakersCalled Quakers because they “quaked” during intense religious practices.

They offended religious & secular leaders in England.

▪ Refused to pay taxes to support the Church of England.

▪ They met without paid clergy

▪ Believed all were children of God! refused to treat the upper classes with deference.

➢Keep hats on.

➢Addressed them as commoners ! ”thees”/“thous.”

➢Wouldn’t take oaths.

➢Pacifists.

Penn & Native Americans

Bought [didn’t simply take] land from Indians.

Quakers went among the Indians unarmed.

BUT…….. non-Quaker Europeans flooded PA

▪ Treated native peoples poorly.

▪ This undermined the actions of the Quakers!

Government of PennsylvaniaRepresentative assembly elected by landowners.

No tax-supported church.

Freedom of worship guaranteed to all.

Forced to deny right to vote & hold office to Catholics & Jews by English govt.

Death penalty only for treason & murder.

▪ Compared to 200 capital crimes in England!

Pennsylvanian SocietyAttracted many different people

▪ Religious misfits from other colonies.

▪ Many different ethnic groups.

No provision for military defense.

No restrictions on immigration.

No slavery!!

“Blue Laws” [sumptuary laws] ! against stage plays, cards, dice, excessive hilarity, etc.

A society that gave its citizens economic opportunity, civil liberty, & religious freedom!!

New Jersey — PA’s Neighbor1664 ! aristocratic proprietors rcvd. the area from the Duke of York.

Many New Englanders [because of worn out soil] moved to NJ.

▪ 1674 ! West NJ sold to Quakers.

▪ East NJ eventually acquired by Quakers.

1702 ! E & W NJ combined into NJ and created one colony.

Delaware — PA’s Neighbor

Named after Lord De La Warr [harsh military governor of VA in 1610].

Closely associated with Penn’s colony.

1703 ! granted its own assembly.

Remained under the control of PA until the American Revolution.

The “Southern Colonies”:

As trade began to increase and news of profitable land and crops began to filter back to England, another group of Englishmen saw an opportunity. This group consisted of young men who were legally restricted for advancement in England (primogeniture laws) and eager to take advantage of generous “relocation options” to move to the New World and become “proprietors”. This group sought out Charters and moved to the New World taking the “English way of life” with them.

These young men were businessmen of the upper classes, wanted to own large tracks of land, and hire others to work that land for them (first indentured servants and then imported slaves from the Caribbean).

more “English”/primogeniture laws

Anglican

plantations & slavery

North & South Carolina

Georgia as a “buffer”

These Southern colonies also created political, social, and religious “trends” that would have a lasting impact on America’s development:

A royal charter was granted to GeorgeCalvert, Lord Baltimore, in 1632 — huge tracts of land

granted to his Catholic relatives

A proprietary colony created in 1634.

A healthier location than Jamestown.

▪ Tobacco would be the main crop.

His plan was to govern as an absentee proprietor in a feudal relationship.

▪

Maryland

Colonists only willing to come to MD if they received land.

Colonists who did come received modest farms dispersed around the Chesapeake area.

▪ Catholic land barons surrounded by mostly Protestant small farmers.

▪ Conflict between barons and farmers led to Baltimore losing proprietary rights at the end of the 17c.

In the late 1600s, black slaves began to be imported.

A Haven for Catholics

Baltimore permitted high degree of freedom of worship in order to prevent repeat of persecution of Catholics by Protestants.

▪ High number of Protestants threatened because of overwhelming rights given to Catholics.

Maryland Toleration Act of 1649 ▪ Supported by the Catholics in MD.

▪ Guaranteed toleration to all CHRISTIANS.

▪ Decreed death to those who denied the divinity of Jesus [like Jews, atheists, etc.].

▪ In one way, it was less tolerant than before the law was passed!!

A Haven for Catholics

The West Indies ! Way Station to Mainland America1670 ! a group of small English farmers from the West Indies arrived in Carolina.

▪ Were squeezed out by sugar barons.

▪ Brought a few black slaves and a model of the Barbados slave code with them.

Named for King Charles II. (and the “Carolingians”)

The King granted Carolina to 8 supporters [Lord Proprietors].

▪ They hoped to use Carolina to supply their plantations in Barbados with food and export wine, silk, and olive oil to Europe.

Settling the “Lower South”

Port of Charles Town, SC

Also named for King Charles II of England.

Became the busiest port in the South.

City with aristocratic feel.

Religious toleration attracted diverse inhabitants.

The primary export.

Rice was still an exotic food in England.

▪ Was grown in Africa, so planters imported West African slaves.

▪ These slaves had a genetic trait that made them immune to malaria.

By 1710 ! black slaves were a majority in Carolina.

Crops of the Carolinas: Rice

American Long Grain Rice

Crops of the Carolinas: Indigo

In colonial times, the main use for indigo was as a dye for spun cotton threads that were woven into cloth for clothes.

Today in the US, the main use for indigo is a dye for cotton work clothes & blue jeans.

Conflict With Spanish Florida

Catholic Spain hated the mass of Protestants on their borders.

Anglo-Spanish Wars ▪ The Spanish conducted border raids on

Carolina.

▪ Either inciting local Native Americans to attack or attacking themselves.

By 1700 ! Carolina was too strong to be wiped out by the Spanish!

The Emergence of North CarolinaNorthern part of Carolina shared a border with VA

▪ VA dominated by aristocratic planters who were generally Church of England members.

▪ Dissenters from VA moved south to northern Carolina.

➢ Poor farmers with little need for slaves.

➢ Religious dissenters.

Distinctive traits of North Carolinians

▪ Irreligious & hospitable to pirates.

▪ Strong spirit of resistance to authority.

1712 ! NC officially separated from SC.

Late-Coming Georgia

Founded in 1733.

Last of the 13 colonies.

Named in honor of King George II.

Founded by James Oglethorpe.

Georgia--The “Buffer” Colony

Chief Purpose of Creating Georgia: ▪ As a “buffer” between the valuable Carolinas &

Spanish Florida & French Louisiana.

➢ Received subsidies from British govt. to offset costs of defense.

▪ Export silk and wine.

▪ A haven for debtors thrown in to prison.

Determined to keep slavery out!

▪ Slavery found in GA by 1750.

The Port City of Savannah

Diverse community.

▪ All Christians except Catholics enjoyed religious toleration.

Missionaries worked among debtors and Indians ! most famous was John Wesley.

18c Southern Colonies

By 1750 there were three distinct colonial regions each with their own cultural and social characteristics (remember these for later!) and three types of colonies:

Royal

Independent

Proprietor

In 1750 the colonies:

1. were all very loyal to England 2. had developed a semi-organized colonial economy 3. had been self-governing for many years 4. had been experiencing a “benign/salutary neglect” from England

All of these are setting the stage for 25 years of English-Colonial struggles leading to the American Revolution.

Government in the ColoniesToward Self-rule

• During the English Civil War, colonists took small steps toward self-government.

• In 1643 several colonies joined forces in the United Colonies of New England.

• Though Parliament had more power since Glorious Revolution, it dealt mainly with mainland England.

• The monarchs and their officials made most colonial policy.

• When war with Spain broke out, colonial governments gained some independence.

• Salutary neglect: referred to the fact that many English officials made colonial policies, but they did not rule the colonies very strictly.

Colonial Governments in 1700s

• Local governments more influential in colonists’ lives

• Colonial assemblies were bicameral like Parliament.

• Governor’s council was the upper house.

• Elected Assembly was lower house like Parliament.

• Each colony had a governor.

Putting Down Roots & Colonies in an Empire

Religion in 1750

Official Religion: Congregational

(orange)

Official Religion: Church of England

(Anglican)

Most Religious Toleration

Most Religious Diversity

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Source: Adapted from the American Council of Learned Societies, "Report to Committee on Linguistic and National Stocks in the Population of the United States," 1932. Percentages total more than 100 percent due to rounding.

Ethnic and Racial Composition of the American People, 1760

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So, by 1750 the 13 “original colonies had been established — let’s take a look at what had been created:

* What were the characteristics developed in the colonies that would later help provide the basis for an “American” way of life? Social:

Religious:

Political:

* What were the characteristics of the colonists that would lead to a feeling of:

Unity? Lack of Unity?

Disunity?

Early 1700s the colonies mainly governed themselves

The most powerful assembly was Pennsylvania followed by Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, and South Carolina

The colonial elected assemblies exercised great influence over the royally appointed officials

Political discussion was widespread and common

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What the “colonies” looked like (politically) by 1750:

*all believed in a “republicanism” form of government

*most had strong governors with veto power

*most had bicameral legislatures

*property was required for voting

*some had universal white male suffrage

*most had a Bill of Rights

*many had a continuation of state-established religions while others disestablished religion

George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards and The Great Awakening

The Great Awakening of the mid-1700’s was a yearning among the colonists, especially in New England, to return to their religious roots. Followers of this revival of religious values became known as “New Lights” and began to found new centers of higher learning -- Princeton (1746), Brown (1764), Rutgers (1766) & Dartmouth (1769) are all examples.

“With religious contention came an awareness of a higher community, a union of fellow believers that extended beyond the boundaries of towns and colony ... The Great Awakening was a “national” event long before a nation actually existed.” (Devine et al 97). This “Great Awakening” also is seen as a massive “democratic” movement as colonists everywhere were free to define what religion meant to them.

Jonathan Edwards - “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

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A sermon given by Jonathan Edwards in which he hoped to use graphic imagery and fiery words to awaken his audience to the reality of hell should they continue to live without Christ in their lives.

The Great Awakening

• Inspired criticism of colonial society• men join Freemasons instead of churches• shatters denominational unity• breaks down localism

a. revivalists are linked to Englandb. revivals spread beyond colony boundaries

• Methodists, Baptists & Presbyterians grow at expense of Anglican, Catholic and Quaker

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Long-Term Impact

1754-1763: The French & Indian War (as part of the Wars of Empire) (1756-1763: The Seven Year’s War begins in Europe) Conflicts among European powers for control of North America & power in Europe (1700-1763) (the first “World Wars”?)

How would the colonies react to these European conflicts?:

Ben Franklin & The Albany Congress (1754)

a colonial army (sort of)

helping an English victory (but even here we begin to see the problems between a colonial view of an army vs the English view/“American” vs British?)

1763: an English - colonial victory and England is now #1

Proclamation of 1763: meant to protect but the colonists saw it differently an end to “benign neglect” the beginning of the “Clash of Political Cultures” 1763-1776: the debate and struggle for political control and political rights

Br. Gvt. measures to prevent smuggling:

▪ James Otis’ case

▪ Protection of a citizen’s private property must be held in higher regard than a parliamentary statute.

A 1761 ! writs of assistance

▪ He lost ! parliamentary law and custom had equalweight.

Rethinking Their Empire

1. Sugar Act - 1764

2. Currency Act - 1764

4. Stamp Act - 1765

3. Quartering Act - 1765

George Grenville’s Program, 1763-1765

Real Whigs

Q-> What was the extent of Parliament’s authority over the colonies??

Absolute? OR Limited?

Q-> How could the colonies give or withhold consent for parliamentary legislation when they did not have representation in that body??

Theories of Representation

Sons of Liberty Stamp Act Congress – 1765 Stamp Act Resolves

non-importation agreements

Stamp Act Repealed - 1765

Declaratory Act – 1766

Stamp Act Crisis

1767 ! Charles Townshend, Secretary of the Exchequer.

Shift from paying taxes for Br. war debts & quartering of troops ! paying col. govt. salaries.He diverted revenue collection from internal to external trade.Tax these imports ! paper, paint, lead, glass, tea. American ports ! established a Board of Customs in Boston.

Townshend Duties Crisis: 1767-1770

1. John Dickinson ! 1768 * Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania.2. 1768 ! 2nd non-importation movement: * “Daughters of Liberty” * spinning bees3. Riots against customs agents: * John Hancock’s ship, the Liberty. * 4000 British troops sent to Boston.

Colonial Response to the Townshend Duties

The American Revolution:

1763: Stamp Act & Stamp Act Congress (Sons of Liberty & the birth of resistance) (a fine example of what the colonists had “learned” during the period of “neglect”) 1765-1770: English attempts at taxation & control

1770: Boston Massacre

1770-1773: an attempt at reconciliation (but colonial organization grows) 1773: The Boston Tea Party & British response -- The “Intolerable Acts”

1773-1775: the relationship sours almost completely and the debate over political “rights” and individual freedom heats up:

Patrick Henry -- “Give me liberty or give me death” James Otis -- “Causes and Necessities of Taking Up Arms” Thomas Paine -- “Common Sense”

1774: 1st Continental Congress -- an attempt to help England understand the colonial needs -- not separation, just representation

1775: “the British are coming” April 19: Lexington & Concord

the 2nd Continental Congress -- an “olive branch”, an army, a government, and a committee

Bunker Hill

July, 1776: