Overview
This lecture covers the rise of England (later Great Britain) as a global power from 1660 to 1763, focusing on the creation and characteristics of the Restoration Colonies in North America and their significance, governance, trade policies, and relations with Native Americans.
England Becomes a Global Power
- In 1660–1763, England emerges as a major economic and military power.
- The English Empire includes North America, lucrative Caribbean sugar colonies, African trade, the slave trade, and expanding control in India.
- The term "England" is used before 1707; "Great Britain" after the union with Scotland in 1707.
The English Civil War and Restoration
- The English Civil War (Charles I vs. Parliament) ended in 1649 with Parliament's victory and Charles I's execution.
- The period 1649–1660 is called the English Interregnum—no king, rule by Oliver Cromwell as military dictator.
- Charles II is restored as king in 1660, leading to the creation of Restoration Colonies.
Restoration Colonies
- Restoration Colonies are colonies founded after Charles II's restoration in 1660, mainly as rewards for royal supporters.
- Most were proprietary colonies—owned and governed by individuals authorized by the king.
The Carolinas
- Carolina was granted to loyal supporters and later split into North and South Carolina.
- North Carolina resembled Chesapeake colonies (tobacco, migrants from Maryland/Virginia).
- South Carolina resembled the West Indies (rice plantations, majority African slaves).
- South Carolina was the only colony where African slaves outnumbered free whites.
- Conflicts with local tribes (Yamasi War, 1715–1718) shaped colonial native relations.
New York
- Formerly Dutch New Netherland, acquired after wars with the Dutch.
- Renamed New York and given to James, Duke of York, who initially ruled autocratically.
- Colonists demanded and achieved representative government in 1683.
- New York inherited a diverse population and religious tolerance from the Dutch.
- The Iroquois Confederacy (Five Nations) maintained neutrality and was a powerful native group.
Pennsylvania and the Quakers
- Founded by William Penn as repayment of a debt to his father.
- Penn and settlers were Quakers (Society of Friends), emphasizing equality, "inner light," and pacifism.
- No official church led to greater religious tolerance and rapid population growth.
- Pennsylvania had friendly native relations and no early militia due to Quaker pacifism.
- Philadelphia became the most populated city in the colonies.
Colonial Commerce and the Navigation Acts
- Navigation Acts were British laws restricting colonial trade to benefit the mother country (mercantilism).
- Colonies could only trade with England; enforcement led to widespread smuggling.
- Smuggling, especially sugar-to-rum trade, was vital for New England colonies.
- Vice admiralty courts (no jury) and writs of assistance (search warrants) were created to enforce trade laws.
- The British mostly failed to enforce these laws (salutary neglect) until the mid-1700s.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Restoration Colonies — Colonies created after Charles II's restoration in 1660.
- Proprietary Colony — Colony owned and governed by individuals authorized by the king.
- Quakers (Society of Friends) — Protestant sect believing in equality, inner light, and pacifism.
- Navigation Acts — British laws restricting colonial trade to benefit England.
- Mercantilism — Economic policy focusing on maximizing exports and restricting colonies' trade.
- Salutary Neglect — British policy of lax enforcement of trade laws in the colonies.
- Vice Admiralty Court — Courts with no jury for enforcing trade laws.
- Writs of Assistance — Warrants to search colonial ships for smuggled goods.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review textbook section on the English Civil War and Restoration.
- Read about the founding and development of the Carolinas, New York, and Pennsylvania.
- Study the Navigation Acts and their impact on colonial trade.
- Be prepared to discuss the Quaker influence in Pennsylvania.