Lecture Notes on Mercantilism and the Colonization of America

Introduction to Mercantilism

• 17th-century prevailing economic system in Western Europe.
• Key Concept: Nation's power depended on its wealth and control of trade.
• Led to transatlantic trade between European nations and their colonies.

Establishment of Colonies

• Allowed European nations to access natural resources.
• Essential for controlling trade.
• Exchange of goods between Europe and American colonies began.

English Colonies Categorization

• Three Regions: Based on geographic, economic, and cultural factors.

Southern Colonies

• First Permanent Colony: Jamestown, Virginia (1607).
• Other colonies: Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia.
• Purpose: Essentially business ventures.
• Economy: Cultivation of cash crops (tobacco, rice, indigo).
• Fertile soil and warm climate favored agriculture.
• Remained primarily agricultural.
• Native American Relations: Conflict with tribes like the Powhatan.

New England Colonies

• Colonies: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire.
• Purpose: Established for religious groups (e.g., Pilgrims, Puritans).
• Economy: Lumber trade, fishing, whaling, commercial trade.
• Native American Relations: Initially smooth, later confrontational.
• King Philip's War (1675): Conflict between settlers and American Indians.

Mid-Atlantic Colonies

• Colonies: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware.
• Originally part of Dutch New Netherland.
• Geography: Good harbors and river systems.
• Economy: Production of wheat, grains, dairy ("bread basket").
• Trade Routes: Hudson and Delaware Rivers.
• Port Cities: Philadelphia and New York City as commerce hubs.
• Pennsylvania: Refuge for English Quakers, promoting religious toleration and fair treatment of American Indians.

Conclusion

• Mercantilism influenced the colonization and economic development of English colonies.
• Each region had distinct purposes, economies, and interactions with Native Americans.