British North America - Key Points

Introduction

• Early settlers shaped the American colonies: servants, enslaved laborers, free farmers, religious refugees, powerful planters.
• Native Americans saw colonial expansion and resource monopolization.
• Development of race-based chattel slavery influenced the economy.
• Although marginal initially, North America was part of larger Atlantic networks.
• Events in Europe (like civil wars) affected colonial societies.
• Colonial societies developed into powerful entities capable of conflict.
• The institution of slavery was brutal and destructive.

Slavery and the Making of Race

• Francis Lejao, a missionary, was disillusioned by American slavery.
• 1660s laws sanctioned lifelong enslavement of Africans.
• Racial categories solidified; skin color became a major division.
• Wars facilitated enslavement of Native Americans.
• Transatlantic Slave Trade introduced millions of Africans to the Americas.
• Middle Passage was brutal; significant African cultural impact on Americas.

Turmoil in Britain

• Religious conflicts and civil war in Britain affected colonies.
• English Civil War and execution of Charles I.
• Colonies were largely independent but influenced by English politics.
• Glorious Revolution led to changes in colonial governance.
• William and Mary’s rise marked a rejection of absolutism.

New Colonies

• Expansion of colonies like Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island.
• Maryland aimed to be a Catholic haven.
• Religious motivations in the establishment of New England colonies.
• Dutch and Swedes established colonies in the Mid-Atlantic region.
• English control expanded with colonies like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania.
• Carolina colony attracted diverse settlers with incentives.

Riot, Rebellion, and Revolt

• Conflicts: Pequot War, King Philip’s War, Bacon’s Rebellion, Pueblo Revolt.
• King Philip's War marked the end of Native American power in New England.
• Bacon’s Rebellion highlighted tensions between settlers and the government.
• Pueblo Revolt was a significant indigenous resistance to Spanish rule.
• Yamasee War showed continuous tension with Native Americans.
• Pennsylvania attempted peaceful relations with Native Americans.

Conclusion

• The 17th century saw the development of complex colonial societies.
• Colonists engaged in power struggles with Native Americans and European rivals.
• The economy was heavily tied to the transatlantic slave trade.
• These developments shaped the future of North America and the Atlantic world.