Economy and Labor
What was the role of slavery in the colonial economy?
Slavery was a core component of the colonial economy and was practiced in all 13 colonies, though on a much larger scale in the South.
How did geography and economy affect social structure?
Social stratification varied by region.
What three distinct geographic regions made up the thirteen British colonies?
The colonies were divided into three main regions: the New England Colonies, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies.
What were the responsibilities and daily routines of children?
Children were expected to contribute to the family's survival as soon as they were old enough. Girls do household work and boys do outside work.
What was the Mayflower Compact and why is it considered a significant early step toward self-governance?
It was the first written agreement to establish a democratic, albeit temporary, government in the New World
How did the legal status of indentured servants and enslaved people differ?
The key difference was whether the bondage was temporary or permanent and based on race.
What factors destabilized the colonial class system over time?
By the mid-18th century, tensions related to class began to increase.
How did the geography and climate of the New England colonies impact their economy?
The New England colonies had a colder climate with rocky soil, which made large-scale farming difficult.
How did the seasons and location affect daily life and work?
Daily routines were heavily influenced by seasonal changes and geographic location.
What was the role and structure of colonial assemblies?
Colonial assemblies served as the legislative bodies for the colonies and were elected by eligible voters.
How did land ownership affect economic growth?
Private ownership of land, a practice uncommon for most commoners in Europe, was a major incentive for colonial economic growth.
What was the role of indentured servitude in the class system?
Indentured servants were poor Europeans who voluntarily sold their labor for a set period (typically 4–7 years) in exchange for passage to America.
What were the key characteristics of the Middle Colonies, and what nickname did they earn because of their agricultural output?
The Middle Colonies had fertile soil, a moderate climate, and wide, navigable rivers. Their economy was largely based on farming crops like wheat, oats, and corn, which earned them the nickname "the breadbasket colonies".
What were some of the common household tasks?
Many tasks that are automated today required immense physical labor in colonial times.
What was the political impact of Bacon's Rebellion in 1676?
Nathaniel Bacon's 1676 rebellion of poor whites and enslaved and free blacks terrified the colonial elite. In its aftermath, Virginia's wealthy planters reduced their reliance on indentured servants and transitioned to a system of racialized slavery.
What role did mercantilism and trade with England play?
The colonial economy operated within the British system of mercantilism, where colonies existed to benefit the mother country.
How did the colonial class system differ from Europe's?
In Europe, social class was largely fixed and based on one's noble bloodline. In contrast, the colonial system was built more on wealth than on birth, which allowed for some social mobility.
What role did the fertile soil and warm climate play in the Southern Colonies' economy?
The warm weather, long growing season, and rich soil of the Southern Colonies were ideal for large-scale agriculture. This led to the establishment of vast plantations that produced lucrative cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo.
What were the most common jobs and occupations in the colonies?
Most colonists were involved in agriculture, working long hours on farms and plantations. Occupations varied significantly by region.
How did the Salem Witch Trials impact the government and legal system?
The Salem Witch Trials of 1692-1693 highlighted the dangers of mass hysteria and the flaws in the colonial legal system.
How did regional specialization shape the colonial economy?
The economies of the thirteen colonies varied significantly based on geographic and environmental factors
How did slavery differ between the Northern and Southern colonies?
While slavery existed in every colony, its scale and economic importance varied significantly.
Which colonial region was known for its diverse population and high degree of religious tolerance?
The Middle Colonies were the most diverse, with settlers from various backgrounds, including English, Dutch, German, and Swedish. They were also known for religious tolerance, with groups like the Quakers in Pennsylvania coexisting with others.
What was the role of enslaved people and indentured servants in the colonial economy?
Both enslaved people and indentured servants provided essential labor for the colonial economy, often in brutal conditions.
How did the distance from England influence colonial governance?
The great distance between the colonies and England limited the Crown's ability to enforce strict, centralized control. While royal governors were technically powerful, they often had to compromise with colonial assemblies.