Colonial America

England’s 13 Colonies

1630 - 1780

Why they came Religious freedom (e.g.,

William Penn started Pennsylvania for Quakers.)

To get away from England…crowded, owed money, hated king.

Cheap land Greater opportunity to

make money Adventure

How did they get here? Some were kidnapped

(slaves). Some sold everything they

owned to pay for the trip. Some were wealthy enough

to pay for the trip. Some became servants to

pay for their trips (indentured servants).

Conditions were usually bad. “meat was old and tainted, … the bread moldy or wormy, … the water smelt very bad.

What is the difference between slaves and indentured

servants? Indentured servants

serve their “masters” for 5 – 7 years to pay off a debt. They were usually white and from England.

Slaves and their families usually serve their “masters” forever. They were usually black and from Africa.

Colonial Economy Trade or barter Lumbering Farming (Middle

Colonies known as “Breadbasket.)

Free-enterprise (any business they want), many different trades such as blacksmiths and carpenters.

Fishing, whaling, and shipbuilding in New England.

Triangular trade

Middle Passage and Triangular Trade

Hint: The Middle Passage is part of Triangular Trade

Natural Resources

Not only did people live off the land, but people made lots of money off natural resources.

Minerals like iron Forests like cedar

trees Plants like

sunflowers Fish like salmon Wildlife like deer Fossil fuels like coal

Slavery Not a new idea – practiced for

thousands of years. They were property with no

rights. Family members were often

split up. Many worked on plantations

with cash crops such as tobacco, cotton, indigo, and rice.

Not many in the North. Rules – slave codes (no own

religion, no reading, no marrying, and no owning property.)

Plantation Like a small village – sometimes

100’s of people lived there. Planter and family lived in the “Big

House.” Inside servants were called “house slaves.”

Run-down cabins near the fields were called “slave row.”

Planters were usually men and they held high positions in the community.

Long days of work for the slaves. Overseer – bossed slaves around.

He was usually an indentured servant or a slave. Sometimes shared part of the profit.

Slaves could work in the field as “field slaves” or work at a trade such as making furniture.

More about the plantation

Africans did the dirty, back-breaking work of planting and harvesting tobacco, rice, and indigo.

They cared for animals, cooked, cleaned, and repaired tools.

Responsible for their own chores too.

Fun? After all the work they made time to talk, tell stories, and sing songs. Stories are a long tradition for Africans. Songs could have been a signal to meet.

Rebellion Refused to work Worked slowly Broke tools Raids, burned

houses, killed people

Benjamin Franklin“Scientist and Inventor”

“Reading is a key to success.” Wrote funny stories Pennsylvania Gazette – 1st

newspaper Poor Richard’s Almanac. Lightning rod Bifocal eyeglasses Wood-burning stove – Franklin Stove 1st volunteer fire department Postmaster General – In charge of

post office Official printer 1st college – University of

Pennsylvania African American schools Deborah, his wife, ran his printing

shop

Where did they settle? 1st near the ocean because

land was good and trade was easier near the water.

Once land was bought up it became expensive, so people moved to the frontier (backcountry).

Backcountry life was rugged. It wasn’t as easy. Fewer waterways and rocky uneven ground.

Most backcountry people were poor.

Started more relationships with the Native Americans – some good, some bad

First 3 Colonies by

England

Roanoke was first. Founded by Sir Walter Raleigh. The “Lost Colony.”

Jamestown, Virginia was first successful. Located near Marsh. Tobacco was their gold.

Plymouth, Massachusetts. Mayflower Compact. Pilgrims got help from Squanto. Thanksgiving.

Exit Slip Time

Please get out a piece of paper and a pencil. There are 12

questions. Pick A, B, C, or D.