Overview
This lecture covers the founding and significance of the Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Carolina, and Georgia colonies, emphasizing their unique origins, social structures, and economic foundations.
Rhode Island Colony
- Rhode Island was founded by exiles from Massachusetts Bay Colony, led by Roger Williams.
- Roger Williams advocated for separation from the Church of England and was exiled for his beliefs.
- Williams purchased land from Native Americans and founded Providence, the first settlement in Rhode Island.
- Rhode Island was the first English colony to allow religious freedom and voting rights to all free inhabitants.
- The colony was the most democratic among the English colonies and governed by heads of households.
New York Colony
- Originally established by the Dutch as New Netherlands; New Amsterdam (now New York City) was its center.
- The English seized the colony in 1664, renaming it New York after the Duke of York.
- The colony retained a strong Dutch influence, especially in New York City names and culture.
- New York thrived due to shipbuilding, lumber, and wheat production, becoming economically and socially significant.
- It attracted a diverse population due to its openness and lack of strict regulations.
Pennsylvania Colony
- King Charles II granted land to Sir William Penn; his son William Penn Jr. founded the colony for Quakers (Society of Friends).
- Quakers were persecuted pacifists who promoted equality and religious tolerance.
- William Penn wrote the Frame of Government, creating a highly open and democratic society.
- Pennsylvania enjoyed peaceful relations with Native Americans and bought their lands.
- The economy centered on wheat and flour production, contributing to rapid growth and prosperity.
- Produced influential leaders, including Benjamin Franklin.
Carolinas Colonies (North and South)
- King Charles II granted Carolina to eight supporters; they recruited Barbados planters to expand the plantation system.
- The southern area focused on rice cultivation and developed a slave-based plantation economy.
- The northern area produced tobacco and yellow pine, the latter used for shipbuilding and tar (origin of "Tar Heels").
- The Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina, influenced by John Locke, promoted land grants and religious toleration.
- The colony split into North and South Carolina in 1712.
Georgia Colony
- Established in 1733 by King George II, given to 22 trustees led by James Oglethorpe.
- Intended as a social experiment for poor Englishmen and refugees to start anew.
- Banned slavery, liquor, lawyers, and limited land ownership to 500 acres.
- The idealistic system collapsed due to economic struggles; bans on slavery and liquor were eventually disregarded.
- The plantation system with slavery took hold; by 1754, Georgia became a royal colony.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Puritans — English Protestants seeking to reform the Church of England.
- Separation of Church and State — Concept that government and religious institutions should be independent of each other.
- Quakers — Members of the Society of Friends, known for pacifism and egalitarian beliefs.
- Plantation System — Agricultural economy based on large estates and slave labor.
- Frame of Government — Pennsylvania’s constitution promoting democracy and tolerance.
- Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina — Early governing document of the Carolinas, promoting land grants and religious freedom.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review lecture notes on the economic, social, and political structures of each colony.
- Prepare for a discussion or quiz on the distinctive features of Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, and Georgia.