British America and the Road to Conflict with England

Colonial Isolation and Interaction

17th Century Isolation: Overview
- American colonies were isolated from one another.
- Major differences: social structures, religion, government, economics.
- Religion was the primary dividing factor (e.g., Calvinists, Catholics, Quakers).
- Major cities had closer communication with London than with other colonies.
Inner Colonial Communication
- News & letters traveled from one colony to England and then to another colony.
- Large cities had <10% of the colony’s population, but influenced the rest.

Dissemination of News
- By late 17th century, taverns outnumbered other businesses in cities.
- Taverns as mail delivery points and social hubs.
- Early 18th century: newspaper circulation increased due to ports.
Role of Professional Readers/Writers
- Assisted the literate population by reading newspapers and letters aloud.
- Spread of Enlightenment ideas through public readings in taverns.

Scientific Revolution
- Focused on scientific and mathematical explanations of natural laws.
- Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity: mechanistic universe governed by natural laws.
Enlightenment’s Unintended Effect on Religion
- Religion became influenced, leading to Deism.
- Deism: God as a non-interventionist creator (e.g., Jefferson, Franklin).

Calvinist Reaction
- Jonathan Edwards countered Enlightenment ideas with emotive sermons.
- Famous sermon: “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.”
- Impact: Frightening sermons led to donations and emotional conversions.

Light Colonial Rule by England
- Colonies allowed to self-govern if taxes were paid.
- England avoided colonial bureaucracy due to cost and perceived loyalty.
Navigation Acts
- 1651: Act to carry goods on English ships with English crews (51%).
- Colonies initially celebrated, saw themselves as benefiting.
- Later Acts increased English crew requirements, economic strain on colonies.

Massachusetts Bay Colony’s Defiance
- 1678: Declared Navigation Acts had no standing.
Dominion of New England
- Royal Governor Sir Edmond Andros took control in 1686, enforced taxes and trade laws.
- Andros’s changes, such as allowing Christmas, angered Calvinists.

Massachusetts Revolution
- 1688: Andros and his officials arrested, local governments restored.
- Inspired other colonies to reject royal control.
Philosophical Influence: John Locke
- “Two Treatises on Government”: refuted divine right of kings, introduced natural rights.
- Emphasis on life, liberty, property, and the right to overthrow abusive rulers.

Adoption of Toleration Act
- Ended religious barriers to voting, property holding became primary qualification.
- Broad participation in governance due to low property requirements.

Upcoming topics: French America, French and Indian War, post-war complications between England and the colonies.
Focus on interactions between British and French territories.