North American Colonial History Overview

Overview

This lecture reviews the key developments in North American colonial history from 1607 to 1754, focusing on European colonization methods, regional differences among colonies, the Atlantic economy, slavery, indigenous relations, and early American society.

European Colonization Comparison

• Spain colonized for wealth extraction (gold, silver, cash crops), imposed Christianity, and established a race-based caste system.
• France prioritized trade (especially fur), formed alliances, and intermarried with American Indians.
• The Dutch focused on economic motives, set up fur trading centers (e.g., New Amsterdam), and showed little interest in religious conversion.
• Britain colonized for economic opportunity, land, and religious freedom due to inflation and social challenges at home.

British Colonial Regions & Characteristics

• Chesapeake (Jamestown, 1607): Founded for profit; joint-stock company model; initially used indentured servitude, saw shift to African slavery after Bacon’s Rebellion.
• New England: Settled by families (Pilgrims) for religious societies; relied on agriculture and commerce; operated with democratic governance (Mayflower Compact).
• British West Indies/Southern Colonies: Grew tobacco and sugarcane; relied heavily on African slave labor; strict slave codes developed.
• Middle Colonies (NY, NJ, PA): Diverse populations; export cereal crops; rising class inequalities; Pennsylvania known for religious freedom and peaceful relations with natives.

Colonial Governance & Economy

• Colonies developed self-governing structures (e.g., House of Burgesses, colonial assemblies), but elites dominated governance.
• The Atlantic economy (triangular trade) connected colonies, Africa, and Europe, facilitating the exchange of rum, enslaved people, and sugarcane.
• Mercantilism dominated: colonies provided raw materials, and the Navigation Acts restricted colonial trade to benefit Britain.

Slavery and Resistance

• All British colonies engaged in the slave trade; enslaved Africans were vital for plantation economies.
• Stringent slave codes made slavery hereditary and defined enslaved people as property.
• Slave resistance included covert acts (cultural retention, sabotage) and overt rebellion (e.g., Stono Rebellion, 1739).

Native American Relations

• Colonists increasingly encroached on native lands, causing conflict (e.g., Bacon's Rebellion, Metacom’s/King Philip’s War).
• Alliances and wars shaped colonial and indigenous interactions, with violence and mistrust common.

Colonial Society, Enlightenment, and Religion

• The Enlightenment emphasized reason, natural rights, and social contract theory, influencing colonial political thought.
• The Great Awakening was a widespread religious revival, uniting colonists and fostering early American identity.
• Colonies experienced Anglicanization (becoming more English) but also growing frustration with British authority (e.g., impressment riots).

Key Terms & Definitions

• Joint Stock Company — Business owned by investors who share profits and losses.
• Indentured Servant — Laborer working under contract for a set term in exchange for passage to America.
• Mercantilism — Economic theory emphasizing exports and accumulation of wealth through colonies.
• Navigation Acts — British laws controlling colonial trade for England’s benefit.
• Slave Codes — Laws defining enslaved people as property and regulating their lives.
• Enlightenment — Intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individual rights, and government by consent.
• Great Awakening — Religious revival promoting enthusiasm and unity among colonists.
• Impressment — Forced conscription of colonial men into the Royal Navy.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review the differences between Spanish, French, Dutch, and British colonial goals/methods.
• Know the characteristics of each British colonial region.
• Study the Atlantic economy, mercantilism, and their impacts.
• Be able to explain causes and effects of Bacon's Rebellion, the Stono Rebellion, and King Philip’s War.
• Prepare for questions about Enlightenment ideas and the Great Awakening on society.