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 ago- possibly 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 Hemisphere-

pyramids 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 in a lake for defense with chinampas (floating fields) for crops. Tribute states- aggressively expansive

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 ships- develop 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 nation- exploration 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 Asia-

Caribbean 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. Capturedand 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 Americas-

decided 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 successors, James I and Charles I will have plenty of arguments with Puritans, which they try to solve by encouraging them to leave. (again, different from French)

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

SpainEncomienda system

Mission systemPope’s Rebellion

Mestizos

FranceTradeJesuits

AlliancesEnemy of Iroquois

EnglandRemoval

Pequot & KingPhilip’s Wars

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 lands- and 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 Haven- founded 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 out- literally. 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 state- no 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.

17th Century Southern Societys

Yeoman Farmers

Landless Farmers

Indentured Servants

Slaves

Plantation Owners

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 Societys

Yeoman Farmers

Landless Farmers

Indentured Servants

Slaves

Plantation Owners

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.