LESSON 2A

1
What were the characteristics of colonial life in
America?

• LESSON 2A

2
How did geography affect Americas development as
a nation?

• THE EFFECT OF GEOGRAPHY ON AMERICA
• Colonies
• Colony A territory or possession of another
  country that has limited self government
  (autonomy)
• Nations claimed colonies to enhance their power
  and wealth
• In the process of gaining colonies native
  cultures were often destroyed

3
How did geography affect Americas development as
a nation?

• Why thirteen colonies?
• Because colonies were applied for ? you had to
  have a "charter" (a document of permission) from
  the King
• Separating them made good political sense and
  provided for smaller more manageable governments
• Geography - the sheer size of the territory -
  made division necessary

4
How did geography affect Americas development as
a nation?

• Who ran the colonies?
• Governors who were chosen by the King
• Locally elected legislatures (EX Virginia House
  of Burgesses)

5
What motivations existed to entice Europeans to
come to the New World?

• WHY BECOME A COLONIST?
• Religious persecution
• Economic opportunity

6
How did Americas makeup influence its
experiences?

• THE EFFECT OF GEOGRAPHY
• Became a nation of farmers and traders
• Made it difficult to govern
• King really left the colonies alone ? this policy
  was called "Salutary Neglect"
• The colonists developed, by necessity, limited
  self-government
• Eventually saw themselves as different, a breed
  apart
• Contributed to the American Revolution

7
THE BRITISH CREATE A COLONIAL EMPIRE
Who were the Pilgrims, and why did they come to the New World? Came to America in search of religious freedom Considered themselves loyal British subjects Proved that colonies in the New World could be successful
8
Why was the British Government interested in the New World? British interested in pursuing mercantilist policy MERCANTILISM When a larger country establishes colonies intended to exist solely for the good of the mother country Colonies meant land, power, raw materials Colonies served as a market for finished goods Colonists could be taxed
9
If you were a member of Parliament, how would you encourage colonization of this new land? Charter joint stock companies that limited risk among many investors interested in the New World HEADRIGHT SYSTEM Joint stock company policy of freely granting acres of land to settlers and other family members (EX Virginia)
10
How did people who couldn't afford land and berth come to America? INDENTURED SERVANTS Worked for seven years with no pay, then became apprentices Often young people
11
What did the King expect from his colonies? Gain raw materials, market for goods ? goal of mercantilist policy The colonies existed for the good of the mother country
12
Why were the colonists satisfied with colonialism until the mid-1600's? Colonists couldn't produce too many finished goods anyway When they did in New England, the British were unable to stop it
13
AMERICA DIVIDED AT BIRTH
NEW ENGLAND MIDDLE ATLANTIC SOUTH
CLIMATE TOPOGRAPHY Rugged terrain Natural harbors Temperate, cold winters, Shorter growing season Flat lands, plains Natural harbors Moderate growing season Flat lands, plains Less harbors Long growing season
ECONOMY Industry Shipping Trade Some farming Industry Shipping Trade farming Agriculture
14
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH
NORTH SOUTH
CULTURE Northern economy was industrial and faced paced Workers worked at the docks and in small cottage industries Deadlines and production schedules needed to be met Northern economy was industrial and faced paced Workers worked at the docks and in small cottage industries Deadlines and production schedules needed to be met Most workers were farmers Slower lifestyle with greater dependence on Mother Nature Most large Southern plantations imported slaves Plantation owner became the "Gentleman Farmer" Slaves provided overwhelming majority of labor Clear difference in lifestyle and culture
15
NORTH SOUTH
ECONOMIC NEEDS STRENGTHS Centered around commerce (trade) Hurt worse by mercantile policies than the South Supported protective tariffs intended to help build Northern industry and hurt British imports Able to sell Britain cotton, rice, tea, tobacco, and indigo Opposed protective tariffs as it hurt their relationship with Britain
16
NORTH SOUTH
POPULATION Greater in North and important for support of American Revolution Became a crucial disadvantage for South leading into the Civil War