Overview
This lecture examines the origins, development, and key features of English settlements in North America, focusing on the Chesapeake and New England colonies and their long-term impact.
European Colonization in North America
- French colonized interior North America (New France, Quebec, St. Lawrence River, Great Lakes, Mississippi River).
- Dutch settled New Netherland (modern New York) with a small population.
- Spanish occupied Florida to protect their trade.
- English settlements began in Chesapeake Bay and New England, later expanding.
Distinctions Among English Colonies
- England sent the largest number of settlers, leading to populous colonies.
- Chesapeake Colonies: Virginia and Maryland, founded for profit (commercial orientation), mostly young men, few women.
- New England Colonies: Founded for religious motives (Pilgrims and Puritans), migrated with families, more demographic diversity.
- English Civil War (1640s–1660) paused colonization due to internal conflict between monarch and parliament.
The Chesapeake Colonies: Struggles and Growth
- Jamestown (1607): First permanent English colony, founded by Virginia Company (joint-stock).
- Jamestown faced high mortality, disease, famine ("starving time"), and conflict with Powhatan Confederation.
- John Smith's leadership and friendly relations with Powhatan aided survival.
- Tobacco cultivation became the colony’s economic foundation.
- House of Burgesses (1619): First representative government in New World for attracting settlers.
- Maryland founded as a refuge for English Catholics by Lord Baltimore, but became tobacco-focused like Virginia.
- Labor provided by indentured servants (5–7 years), later shifting to African slaves.
- Headright System: Land grants to those who paid for others’ passage, creating class divisions.
Conflict, Rebellion, and the Rise of Slavery
- Anglo-Powhatan Wars: Three conflicts, English victory secured survival.
- Bacon’s Rebellion (1676): Servant revolt over land and Indian policy; highlighted class tensions.
- After Bacon’s Rebellion, shift from indentured servitude to race-based African slavery; new laws solidified a racial caste system.
New England Colonies: Religion and Society
- Puritans founded Massachusetts Bay Colony under John Winthrop; strict, religiously disciplined communities.
- Pilgrims (Plymouth Colony) sought full separation from Church of England; Mayflower Compact established self-government.
- Strong emphasis on literacy and education for Bible reading.
- Predestination shaped strict conformity and social regulation.
- Conversion to Puritan church was difficult; dissenters (Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson) exiled, leading to Rhode Island and other colonies.
- Salem Witch Trials (1692): Community crises attributed to fading Puritan dominance and outside threats.
Relations with Native Americans
- Contentious relations for both Chesapeake and New England colonists, mainly due to land disputes.
- Pequot War (1637): English victory in New England.
- King Philip’s War (Metacom’s War): Last major native threat to New England; ended with English victory.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Chesapeake Colonies — Virginia and Maryland, focused on profit from tobacco.
- Joint-stock company — Business entity pooling investors’ resources for colonization.
- House of Burgesses — First representative legislative assembly in North America.
- Indentured servant — Person working 5–7 years in exchange for passage to America.
- Headright System — Land awarded for funding immigrants’ passage.
- Bacon’s Rebellion — Uprising by former servants; hastened shift to race-based slavery.
- Predestination — Belief that salvation is predetermined by God.
- Mayflower Compact — Agreement for self-government by Plymouth settlers.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the differences between Chesapeake and New England colonies.
- Be able to explain causes and effects of Bacon’s Rebellion.
- Study key terms and events for upcoming assessments.