Unit 1: Founding the Nation
Time Line
Trigger Words
Primary Source 1
The Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was a short agreement among the men, who arrived to Virginia from Great Britain, France, and Ireland under the rule of King James to help advance his rule and the Christian faith, to form a basic government comprised of laws by the majority rule and their obedience to submit to those laws for the better good of the society. Although a short document and not yet a constitution, the Mayflower Compact was quite significant in being a stepping-stone toward self-government for the colonies. It also was an advancement towards democracy, since the laws would be made for the general good of the people. As these men signed and followed this document, the beginnings of liberty and independence that would later distinguish the soon-to-be nation manifested. -Ingrid C. Primary Source 3
Maryland Toleration Act
The Maryland Toleration Act was enacted by the Lord Baron of Baltimore, and essentially gave some religious leeway to any person calling themselves a Christian. In addition, it listed various punishments for the profaning of the Sabbath and insulting or degrading another because of their religious beliefs. While it did not grant total religious freedom, the Maryland Toleration Act was a landmark legislation because it took steps towards tolerance of other religions. It can be said that this act was the root cause of our modern rights to practice religion. -Daniel T. |
Primary Source 2
The Constitution of Plymouth Colony
This document is the constitution of the Plymouth colony. It shows all the laws for the colony and that the colony has to be loyal to the king of England. This document was signed by the colony on November 15th, 1636. The document shows the rules of the colony and how they were supposed to obey them. It shows how the government for the new colony was set up, while still being loyal to the king of England. This government was one of the first steps taken to become independent from the king. ~Kayla M. Primary Source 4
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
Common Sense is a pamphlet that was published by political activist and American revolutionary Thomas Paine on January 10, 1776 in the early stages of the American Revolution. The document contains an argument for freedom from British control at a time when the solution for independence was not yet identified. The message Thomas Paine had broadcast throughout the colonies was written in a way in which even the common people could understand and comprehend, allowing the masses to participate in political affairs like never before. Common Sense strongly criticized British rule, and the great circulation of opinions that it had created led to an entirely new wave of colonists speaking and acting out against the British. This in turn rapidly accelerated the Revolution. ~Aaron W. |
Four Worlds
Political
-Crown had the real power
-Royally appointed government -Governor was proprietor -House of Burgesses -King's Army -Supposedly, all government came ultimately from God -Poll taxes -House of Burgesses input had to be wealthy, landowning, male, and white. -Slavery is allowed -Parliament had no members from the colonies -Colonies felt separated from their own government in Britain. |
Economic
-Tobacco was the staple crop (less diverse economy as a result)
-Originally used indentured servants as laborers -Eventually due to changing circumstances (like expenses, fears, new economy in England), laborers shifted to slaves -Southern had more farms, traded crops with other countries for most other necessities. Heavily relied on laborers. -Northern had more factories and less farms--made more of their necessities there. More self-sustained economy. -South was less prosperous than North. -Mostly considered tenants by England--just expected to export furnished products to England. -Mercantilism was a popular belief. -Eventually England was in debt from French & Indian War and tried to heavily tax America to make up for it. --Britain was more strict on Navigation Laws, passed the Sugar Act, Stamp Tax, Townshend Acts, Intolerable Acts, etc. -Economic difficulties include printing "Continental" paper money that was worthless--inflation ensued. |
Social
-Social class determined political and legal rights, personal attire, and church seating.
-Gentry: wealthy upper class. Owned large farms (NE/MC) or plantations (MC/SC). -Gentry also consisted of merchants, doctors, lawyers, and ministers. -In the North, right to vote went mainly to landowning white men. -Women did vast amounts of housekeeping. -Demographic in New England consisted mainly of families. South consisted mainly of young working men. -Women were more profound in the North; not as many women in the South. -Lower class: mainly day laborers, apprentices, sailors, servants, and slaves. Very few owned property, and very few could read, write, or vote. -Lower class often very mobile, moving from place to place in search of work, especially in the South. -African slaves became very widespread throughout the Middle and Southern colonies. -Many in the North were educated through both secular and theocratic schools, however education was not as prominent in the South. -Colonies comprised mostly of Englishmen (about 60%). -Social mobility was very possible, just not easy. -Literacy: High in NE, low in South. -Middle colonies were incredibly socially diverse, with many races, religions, etc. within a small proximity of each other. |
Cultural
Anglican Church
Quakers Puritans Paintings of the King Statues Male Dominance Church every Sunday Slavery Loyal to King rebelled during hardships protests during hardships they were displaved in Europe respect for church had arts from different countries Salem Witch hunt- very superstitious |