Political and Social Life

Life in the Colonies

• Most colonies were rural or agricultural

• Cities were smaller than 15,000 people and were usually based on trade

• View of life and wealth was changing

Change in Economic ViewOld View

The “common weal” was more important than any one person’s profit. Better to sacrifice for the good of all. Gov’t should regulate trade.

New View

True prosperity required everyone to buy stuff. It was better to buy things so people could make a profit. No government regulation of trade.

Mercantilism Dominates

• Mercantilism is the economic theory that a nation’s strength came from building up its gold supply and expanding its trade.

• Colonies are a source of money for the mother country.

• America provided economic benefit for England

Navigation Acts PassedEngland passed the Navigation Acts to control colonial trade and to encourage mercantilism.

1. All the goods from colonies must be on either colonial or English ships.

2. Certain colonial products were sold only to England (not to other countries).

Colonists Hate It!!• Colonists resented the

Navigation Acts.

• They began to smuggle goods to avoid the Acts.

• Sometimes the Navigation Acts helped colonists: allowed shipbuilding to expand

Politics in Colonies

- Brought idea of a balanced government from England.

1. Appointed Governor

2. Council of Wealth appointees

3. Elected “Assemblies”

- Assemblies voted on laws, protected rights and approved taxes.

- Voters were white men with property

Rights of the People

• England overthrows King James II, leaving only the two houses of Parliament.

• Parliament got worried, wanting to have

3 groups in balance.

• Asked William and Mary (James’ daughter) of the Netherlands to “oversee” England

• William & Mary agreed only if a “Bill of Rights” were passed for all English citizens.

Women’s Rights

• Women were responsible to their fathers, brothers, or husbands.

• Women were excluded from public schools

• Could not own property or income (belonged to husband or father)

• Gradually gained broader rights in the colonies re: ownership (e.g. okay if widowed)

The Enlightenment

• A belief the valued the use of knowledge & reason to improve the human condition

• Made significant advancements in science and technology

• Leading American to contribute to the Enlightenment was Benjamin Franklin

• Figured out how to use the science/technology in everyday life