This document discusses the discovery and early colonization of America by various groups. It describes how Native Americans first arrived in America over 17,000 years ago and developed various cultures across the continents. It also details the early Viking explorations to North America around 1000 AD, and their unsuccessful attempts to establish permanent settlements. Finally, it outlines Christopher Columbus' voyage for Spain in 1492, marking the beginning of successful European colonization of the Americas in the 15th-16th centuries led by Spain and Portugal.
This document discusses the discovery and early colonization of America by various groups. It describes how Native Americans first arrived in America over 17,000 years ago and developed various cultures across the continents. It also details the early Viking explorations to North America around 1000 AD, and their unsuccessful attempts to establish permanent settlements. Finally, it outlines Christopher Columbus' voyage for Spain in 1492, marking the beginning of successful European colonization of the Americas in the 15th-16th centuries led by Spain and Portugal.
This document discusses the discovery and early colonization of America by various groups. It describes how Native Americans first arrived in America over 17,000 years ago and developed various cultures across the continents. It also details the early Viking explorations to North America around 1000 AD, and their unsuccessful attempts to establish permanent settlements. Finally, it outlines Christopher Columbus' voyage for Spain in 1492, marking the beginning of successful European colonization of the Americas in the 15th-16th centuries led by Spain and Portugal.
1. Native Americans 2. The Vikings 3. Christopher Columbus
Natives: Came from Asia over Beringia (Bering Strait) during last Ice Age. When they crossed is not certain approximately 17.000 years ago. Stone Age hunters in small band Few material remains (Clovis Spearpoints) They reached Tierra del Fuego 10.000 years ago After Ice Age ended they invented bow and arrow Around 7000 years ago in Peru they discovered agriculture About 5000 they domesticated corn By the 15 th century 10 million people (500 tribes) Hunting-gathering and agriculture Only Anasazi (southwest) and the mound builders (south east) developed urban societies Remained in stone age (no domestic animals, no system of writing) Level of culture will be significant when they encounter Europeans The Vikings They developed light and fast ships Vikings from Denmark attacked and settled in England, Ireland and France Vikings from Sweden went east into the river systems of Russia, the Caspian and black sea then they established the state of Rus Vikings from Norway went west discovered and settled the Faeroe In Iceland a Viking named Eric the red was banished for 3 years for murder he discovered Greenland. It was suitable for agriculture at that time Eric the Reds son discovered Vinland (vine land) and returned Greenland gathering colonists to settle in Vinland Viking settlement in north America lasted only for 15 to 20 years due to constant attacks of skrealings natives Greenland Norse maid voyages to north America until the mid-14 th century to cut wood for housing Greenland settlement disappeared in the first half of 15 th century Why was the Norse unsuccessful in establishing permanent settlement in North America? There was no constant supply of migrants.
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Developments in Europe by the 15 th century
Technology: navigation Large merchant class: profit and wealth Kings: political stability, concentration of power and resources Exploration Why did Portugal make the first exploration? Given impetus by prince henry the navigator (established a school of navigation and sponsored voyages) They discovered Azure Islands They established sugar plantations They raid Africa to capture slaves to work in plantations Began a series of voyages down to western coast of Africa Discovery of the Cape of Good Hope route to Indian ocean became possible !! Spain never copied Portugals successful voyages. Why? - Because of internal disputes (Reconquista reconquest of Spain from Arabs) - After Fernando and Isabella defeated Arabs they started to be interested in voyages Columbus convinced Spain that he know a new route to India (never reached to north America and died in prison) Why were Europeans successful now, but the Vikings 500 years earlier have not been? - Firearms and gun powders - Europeans didnt die due to diseases Treaty of Tordesillas
Columbus voyage created a rivalry between Portugal and Spain Pope was anxious to avoid it because Protestantism started to spread Pope divided new land between Portugal and Spain (limited Portuguese settlement in new world) Vasco de Gama Sailed cape of good hope and reached India To protect the route to India and Portuguese he established settlements Portugal will be the most powerful state in east Africa until 17 th century
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Spanish Colonization Began in Caribbean Discovery of gold attracted numerous adventurers Mines first were worked by native American slaves Many slaves died due to diseases, others ran away They started sugar plantation with African slaves They sought new lands to exploit Hernan Cortes and Mexico Burned his ships and began moving in islands Met a native woman who can speak Spanish then she became his translator He met Aztecs in Mexico, Aztecs had highly developed civilization Cortes had some factors in his favor ; Aztecs believed that a white, bearded god Quetzalcoatl would return in 1519 Cortes was honored until when Aztecs understood his intentions Cortes build ships and due to diseases in the region the city was taken by cortes in 1521 he became enormously wealthy Fransisco Pizarro and Peru Inspired by Cortes He was a bastard of a Spanish nobleman Landed in Peru in 1531 Proceeded to Inca empire Incas distrusted Spain Pizarro took Inca king and demanded gold (he took the ransom but he attacked Incas and defeated them. He became even wealthier than Cortes) In Spanish colonies economy primarily based on mining of the large ranches They settled to Texas in 17 th century (in 18 th century they established missions in California John Cabot sailed to the North America for the henry the VIII Giovanni da Verazzano sent by France Jacques Cartier sent by France Fish men went to America seasonally and traded goods with natives By 17 th century Dutch French and swedes were all involved in fur trade Until 1576 no British interest in Americas (events in 1497-1576; great influence on british for north America)
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England Bloody Mary Colonization of Ireland Elizabeth continued his fathers policies Establishment of trading companies in Britain 1. East Land Company (Baltic) 2. 1581 Levant Company (Middle East) 3. 1600 East India Company (India and East Indies) With growing trade England became interested in north America (thinking of establishing colonies) Martin Frobisher Explored and mapped areas in the Canadian arctic Humphrey Gilbert Got a crown charter to establish a colony
What is a crown charter? Legal contract given by the king to individuals or companies Colonization is a private enterprise not actively directed by central government Gives the recipient the right to establish a colony Specifies the colonies boundaries, the rights of charter holder, obligations of monarch
H. Gilbert claimed some area in Newfoundland but could not establish a settlement. Humphreys half-brother got charter too, made a voyage. Then he called the area Virginia for the honor of Queen Elizabeth. In 1580s English and French had war By the end of 16 th century Spain and Portugal had numerous colonies but Britain did not; however, they got experience
James I War with Spain ended Men and money were free for other enterprises 1606 joint stock companies in Virginia
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The London Company would be the first to attempt colonization Needed to attract settlers but how? Who would want to go North America? People wanted to go to have land which means wealth!
Two Categories: Independent paid for their passage: you can begin work for yourself immediately Financed by company: food and shelter (but passenger would work for company for 7 years in return)
1607 May; 104 English settled in Jamestown
Jamestown: There were no Native Americans. Water resources Less likely to be attacked by Spanish In summer, English people understood why natives do not live there; malaria, no large animals for hunting, water was brackish in summer
In 1609; company adopts a new charter Company council will appoint a governor with an advisory Virginia council Administration moved from England to Virginia Local participation (colonists got some words for their colonies) In Jamestown they planted tobacco In 1618; they made reforms to attract people to settle 50 acres of land will be given to settlers English law will be enacted Planters will elect representatives to an assembly In 1619; two important events: 1. First meeting of Virginia assembly 2. First African slaves were brought from West Indies In 1622; local tribes killed many settlers In 1624; king took over control of colony assembly shut down, cost the crown E 100.000 Royal takeover improves life in the colony Population grew
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In 1629; Virginia assembly was reopened because conditions in Virginia were much more than in England In 1630; drop in tobacco prices but profit remained In 1639; labor shortage occurred ( new ways to attract) indentured servants (private individuals pay passage for a settler in exchange for work) New problems some settler ran away, some got freedom but became propertyless
Massachusetts History of Massachusetts colony is linked to the Puritans ( Protestant sect) Puritans: John Calvin Radical and conservative Strict and liberal interpretation of Bible Simple rituals and minimal decoration in church Did not observe most Christian holidays Belief in predestination Society should be regulated by Gods laws No public amusement Clothes should be simple no bright colors Disagreements with official church of Britain They divided into two large groups: 1. Presbyterians accepted general church organization and looser membership criteria 2. Congregationalist no overall church organization above individual church, membership open only to overt, true believers
Congregationalist divided into two: 1. Non-separatist stay and reform church from within 2. Separatists separate and form new church
Separatists will be the first ones to settle in North America 1608-1609; Group of Separatists emigrate to Holland ( Dutch very tolerant but they feared the assimilation of their children and returned to England ) Applied to Virginia company to establish a peculiar plantation in northern part of Virginia, would work for company for 7 years 1620; ship Mayflower leaves England with 102 Puritans called themselves pilgrims December 1620; land near Cape Cod Massachusetts outside of Virginia colony Establish Plymouth colony Since outside of Virginia governors authority decided they needed to establish a government Men of Mayflower wrote a document the Mayflower Compact describing their government and elected John Winthrop
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Half of them died in the first winter Local Indians teach basic farming Thanksgiving Heavily influenced by events in England 1620s, depression of wool industry and series of bad harvest 1625; Charles I becomes king begins non-stop arguments with Parliament which contains large number of Puritans 1628; Puritans in England form New England Company and get Massachusetts and New Hampshire land grant 1629; Puritans in England get a royal charter and become the Massachusetts Bay Company Charter gave company full authority to govern its own territory with no restriction 1629; Charles decided to rule without Parliament Appointed churchmen opposed to Puritanism 1630; about 1000 new settlers came to Massachusetts Bay Sea 1630-1640; The Great Migration 15.000-20.000 new settlers 1640; Charles recalls Parliament to end the great migration
Rhode Island 1631-1634; Massachusetts Bay Company changes how it elects its representatives Freemen the eligible voters of the company had to be Puritan Church members 1631; Roger Williams a strong separatist, arrives in Massachusetts Williams calls for complete rejection of English Church and purchase of land from natives He said that government had no authority over religious matters 1636; he was banished and went to Rhode Island Soon, he was followed by Anne Hutchinson 1640; he applies for charter, granted in 1644: Voting is not limited to church members Clergy should not be supported by taxes 1663; guarantee of religious freedom
Connecticut 1636; Puritan settlers move into Connecticut River Valley 1662; New England will begin to grow faster than Virginia, due both to immigration and larger lifespan Unlike Virginia economy was diverse (farming fishing, lumber) Due to harsh climate settlers gave importance to commerce, fishing and ship building
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Success of Virginia and Massachusetts colonies will encourage others to establish colonies on the east coast of North America
The Proprietary Colonies Proprietary colonies were established by individuals 1632; Lord Baltimore English Catholic who are given land for colony He intended as refugee as Catholics, but Catholics soon became minority 1649; to protect Catholic rights Maryland Toleration Act guaranteeing freedom of worship for all Christians is passed
New York 1664; Duke of York inherits Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam 1673; retaken by Dutch 1674; retaken by English 1683; due to dissatisfaction of settlers with Duke of Yorks rule, first elected assembly established Extent of Dutch and Swedish settlement in North America in 17 th century 1685; King James II grants land for a colony to two of his friends Divided territory into eastern and western districts 1702; New loyal charter
The New Carolinas 1663; Proprietors get royal charter Settlers come from New England, Virginia and Barbados 1665; First Assembly; tobacco cultivation begins 1669; New settlement near Charleston, SC 1680; settlement moved to present site of Charleston; economy based on tar, turpentine and rice Rice was profitable, but its cultivation was unfamiliar to the English Imported slaves from area of Sierra Leone slaves have already spoken a form of pidgin English called Krio Environment and climate of South Carolina was very similar to Sierra Leone PIDGIN; no ones native language CREOLE (KRIO); has become a native language Slaves brought knowledge of rice cultivation (they also brought diseases)
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Plantation houses moved away from coasts; only overseas for the slaves left Descendants of the slaves is called the Gulla still live on the coastal islands and speak a language much like Krio 1712; rebellion against proprietary governor
Pennsylvania 1681; William Penn Quaker and commoner Son of an admiral Quakers; Pacifist Protestant Sect Penn served as governor, but elected assembly more powerful; granted religious liberty to all inhabitants 1701; after numerous disagreements between Penn and assembly Charter of Privileges granted effectively ended Penns rule
Economics and Events in England Prevailing economic theory in 17 th and 18 th century was mercantilism State directs all economic activities within its borders; discouraged imports and encouraged exports American colonies were suppliers of new materials and England provided manufactured goods England would direct American economy but distance and English political development made English direction very ineffective 1630-1640; Charles I ruled without Parliament 1640; Charles recalls parliament to get money, dismissed parliament then recalled it again. this time MPs wont leave 1642; Parliament raises an army against king start of English civil war 1649; Charles I was beheaded 1649-1658; Oliver Cromwell heads the Puritan Commonwealth of England as Lord Protector 1660; The Restoration English monarchy was reestablished New king Charles II was very cooperative 1685; James II forced to flee due to serious disagreements with Parliament 1688; Glorious Revolution William and Marry were put on throne Parliament was clearly the predominant authority in England and now ready to establish its authority everywhere 12 of the 13 colonies were established before 1688 (under authority of king but without his active participation and support) Colonies had a very uncertain relationship with Parliament English Attempts to Regulate Colonial Economic Activity
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1650-1651; Cromwell passed laws to keep foreign shipping out of colonies (not very affective) 1660-1663; Parliament passed The Navigation Acts: Use only English or colonial made ships Sugar, cotton, indigo and tobacco could only be shipped to England most valuable items) Almost all imports to come from England
Navigation Acts required enforcement but it was problematic. Why? Charters had distributed power to the colonies and provided for local assemblies Required local consent for legislation
Problems of enforcement in New England New England economy was heavily dependent on shipping Evaded Navigation Acts (smuggling) Puritans were suspicious of Charles II 1662; King Charles demands large reforms to make Massachusetts law conform with English Law but he was ignored 1664; Investigatory Committee was sent and they got cold reception and little cooperation 1673; Attempts to make smuggling less profitable 1679; Massachusetts government moves into New Hampshire, outside of its charter King takes territory and gives it his own royal government 1685; Massachusetts was revoked By 1688; All of New England is combined into the Dominion of New England No assembly, king appoints one governor for entire region Governor was sent to enforce Navigation Acts and collect taxes without the consent of any representative assembly Also overrode old land grants 1688; during Glorious Revolution, citizens of Boston seize and imprison governor and his men Kin William allows temporary restoration of old Massachusetts charter, followed by other colonies Parliament requires all colonial governments to enforce Navigation Acts Established regular customs service with rights of search Violation of Navigation Acts to be tried in Admiralty Courts without jury Governors and their council were appointed by king; they will approve laws passed by popular assemblies which have sole authority to levy taxes
Differences between English and Spanish Settlement Spanish Centralized control Immigration was low; mostly single males
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Large native population Catholic; church-state cooperation
English Charters and locally elected assemblies together with appointed governors Little royal interference Continuous high level of immigration Relatively small native population Numerous, mostly Protestant sects; many mistrust government Conflict and Rivalry King Philips War (1675-1676) The war was led by Metacomet ( the leader of Indians) Fighting began in summer 1675 Most engagements were Native American victories through winter 1675-1676 Spring 1676; colonists began to win Metacomet was killed in August 1676 then most of the fights ended Over 600 colonists were killed 12 towns was destroyed Over 3000 Native Americans were killed New England open to expanding settlement without interference with Native Americans Conflict with France As French and English settlement expanded some lands were claimed by both countries Wars beginning in between England and France would spread to North America 1689-1697 King Philips War 1702-1713 Queen Annes War In all these conflicts the colonists had to defend themselves No British troop were sent to fight or to protect the colonies
Georgia The Last Colony James Oglethorpe for two purposes: 1. To defend English colonies against Spain 2. To give poor debtors a chance at rehabilitation 1732; Oglethorpe and friends were given a 21 year charter: Rum and slaves were banned Every settler were given minimum of 50 acres of land 1751; Rum and Slavery were allowed
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1752; Colony reverts to king; many settlers come from South Carolina to raise rice
Colonial Patterns of Existence English colonists developed patterns of existence different from those in England By the early 18 th century; four main patterns emerged 1. Plantation: Found in southern countries Large farm was dedicated to growing one main cash crop First developed in Virginia in 1620s Labor was provided by English bondsmen Less expensive then slaves By 1670s large numbers of freedmen in rebellion Slavery now becomes a more attractive labor source because it was easier to control, escape is more difficult for slaves and it helps to decrease number of poor freedmen Slaves not worked to death By 1720-1740; natural increase of slave population accounts for most African- Americans in the colonies Plantations were usually isolated like a small and self-sufficient community They were consisted of big house, slave quarters, kitchen, barns, other buildings and surrounding fields Kitchens were separate from the houses because kitchen fires might lead to house fires and houses are already hot enough Skilled slaves or indentured servants worked near the big house Unskilled slaves worked in the fields Plantations were located next to the rivers to provide transportation from farm to market Planters were arranged for private education of their children; imported luxury goods from Europe
2. New England Town Primarily a pattern established by Puritans Establishment of new towns was a planned and organized efforts Towns were established with both private and common lands Church districts Parishes Churches had no political power Town churches were also used as town halls but their functions were separate People met at town meetings to discuss and decide on local issues Taverns, schools and churches were main meeting places
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3. Individual Farm Most common pattern of existence around south of New England; settlers lived on large isolated farms No organized social life Religious needs were met by itinerant preachers Families were responsible for meeting most needs Life was hard; primitive and sometimes dangerous Sometimes hunted and trapped for skins and furs that could be sold or traded Relations with Native Americans were often very close Buckskin clothes, tomahawks and moccasins all were copied from Natives
4. Coastal Cities Smallest of all four patterns but important These cities were centers of commerce and culture Best educated and most influential sector in colonial society Most urban problems were dealt with by voluntary associations, some by city governments
Colonial Patterns of Existence New England towns and coastal cities had some similarities to English towns and cities Colonial Attitudes By early 18 th century American colonists had begun to develop attitudes and ideas: 1. Responsible and Representative Governments Colonists believed in actual rather than virtual representation Actual representation citizens are only represented by those they voted Virtual representation all British people wherever they live are represented by members of Parliament THUS; the fact that the American colonists did not vote for representatives in Parliament was unimportant Actual representation meant members of American colonial assemblies were much more closely monitored than British MPs In England, only around 25% of adult males could vote, in colonies about 50%-70% More colonists participate in political process and participate more closely 2. Clergy and Laity Clergy exists to serve, not to rule Anglican Church in America was state-sponsored (Only church members could hold elected office) Anglican Church never appointed on American bishop
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Very large number of sects due to immigration Some colonies supported churches with taxes but even there ministers had no political or legal powers
The Great Awakening (1730s-1760s Emotional religious revivalism, reaction to Enlightenment rationalism and effort to convert non-religious immigrants and poor rural folk Starts with Jonathan Edwards Spreads with the preaching of another guy People are sinners in the hands of an angry god Highly emotional services caused a split in many sects: Old Lights: followers of traditional religious practices and formal trained clergy New Lights: supporters of the Great Awakenings emotional aspects
RESULTS: Greater religious diversity Greater tolerance of religious diversity Individuals could decide which religious views they would accept and which church they would attend
3) Education Part of Protestant culture all believers should be able to read bible themselves New England Towns generally required towns to employ a schoolmaster at taxpayer expense Literacy rate much higher than England Puritans established Harvard University in 1636 to train clergy. Soon followed by other universities and their curricula changed from religious field to other fields Tuition low relatively, students come from all backgrounds unlike England (just aristocracy in England) Every colony had printing press to produce books etc. Colonial society generally better educated than England (New England and elites) Larger audience for new books and ideas
4) Enlightenment European intellectual movement beginning in 17 th century Stresses use of experimentation and reason to solve problems John Locke (Tabula Rosa) Two Treaties of Civil Government (1691): government not unchanging and unchangeable. Government is a human creation. Created by mutual consent for the enforcement of natural law generally interpreted as human beings, and natural rights of life, liberty, property. If government does not protect rights of citizens, citizens have the right to change it, even by force Enlightenment thinkers advocated free speech, trade and laws.
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Enlightenment ideas change the courses in American universities and are applied to thinking about politics and theology. Also these ideas were widely discussed among educated colonial elites and in colonial publications. When enlightenment ideas on government and rights reappear later, many colonists already familiar with their arguments. Ideas of enlightenment best represented in colonies by Benjamin Franklinprinter, politician, inventor, scientist, satirist, political theorist, one of the founding fathers of US
5) Social Structure Social leveling colonies begin as primitive settlements and conditions remain primitive on the frontier Birth counts for little and social divisions not very wide Social mobilitygreater opportunity to move up and down the social ladder. Financial success becomes the mark of social status not mobility Greater opportunity for land ownership. Land was cheap, labor source and wages 100% higher than in Britain. Overall, white population was much better off than average European
6) Guns A necessity on the frontier for hunting and defense. German immigrants brought good weapons that were improved in coloniesPennsylvania , later Kentucky rifle Colonial population had more guns than Englandgenerally better guns and know how to use them
By the middle of the 18 th century American colonists considered themselves as British but have developed unique way of life and attitudes. Have also grown accustomed to a far greater degree of self-rule than other parts of the British Empire. These differences will come into conflict in second half of the 18 th century.
French & Indan War
Contest between France and Britain over the control of Ohio Britain feared French expansion behind their colonies France feared British expansion towards their colonies responded by building forts along rivers in Ohio territory 1754Albany congress: this is the first time of joint action Representative of 7 colonies met in Albany, NY to discuss common defense strategy against France, improve relations with Native American tribes and attempt to convince Iroguois to abandon their neutrality unsuccessful October 1753Major George Washington sent by governor of Virginia to warn French to leave territory claimed by Virginia. December 1753Washington and his men reach French bir yere French politely refuse to leave January 1754Washington returns, reports French are going to build a fort at the head of Ohio
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Virginia governor had already sent a group to occupy the same point/build a fort and get them out 26 May 1754Washington forces attack and defeat French. Pulls back and build Fort Necessity 3 July 1754French attack and Washington was forced to leave British decide to send a larger force to remove French and French also send more troops to North America General Edward Braddock ordered to take Ft. Duquesne June 1755-- he died Spring 1756Britain declares war on France. Colonial assemblies divided over the war; reluctant to provide men or supplies French encourage tribes in Ohio to attack British settlers, numerous raids and many flee the frontier 1756-1757French were doing better 1757Ft William Henry surrenders to French during withdrawal of French allied Indian attack the British, killing and capturing several hundreds. Increased colonial support for war 1758French abandon Ft. Duquesne driven out of Ohio English gain control French forts along Great Lake isolated Many tribes now join British 1759James Wolfe captured Quebec 1769George III becomes the new king of Englandpolicies over 10 years will be inconsistent due to disagreements with wealthy families in Parliament French withdraw from Montreal and then all of Canada, most fighting in N. America over but war will continue elsewhere through 1762. February 1763Treaty of Paris English gain Canada and all N. America east of Mississippi river French keeps two small islands Spain(England ally) gets Cuba, Philippines, Louisiana Colonial Expectations
End to high levels of taxation Opening of Ohio territory to settlement Greater consideration by Britain for their contribution to war effort Results
Large British military forces in N. America for that time fear of French return First direct dealings with England for many colonistsnot positively impressed British viewed colonial contribution to war effort as limited and had low opinion of colonial fighting men Royal Proclamation of 1763settlement beyond Appalachian mountains prohibited, most lands between Appalachian and Great Lake, Ohio, Mississippi left to tribes unpopular with settlers
This war marks the beginning of events which end with American Revolution
Post-war British Actions
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English national debt doubled Colonists paying lower taxes than in England and less in customs duties New British Prime Minister George Grenville decides to find new ways to make colonists pay for the war and their security 1763strict enforcement of Navigation Acts to reduce smuggling (molasses) and customs evasion 1764Currency Act: bans colonial paper money Each colony had printed its own money, needed to conduct daily business due to lack of British currency in colonies Very negative effects on colonial economies 1764Sugar Act: revised customs duties and regulations esp. on molasses New paper work very complicated Violations tried in Admiralty Courts without a jury 1765Quartering Act and Stamp Act: both very important for the reaction to them in colonies and results Quartering Act: required colonial government to supply suitable lodging to British troops stationed in their colonyNY refused to comply Stamp Act: all printed matter required to have a tax stamp Grenville believed colonists would accept it. In Britain a similar tax had been imposed almost a century earlier Stamps had to be paid for in hard currency, very limited due to Currency Act Violations tired in admiralty courts Most widespread tax ever proposed for colonies Broke long tradition of colonies self-taxation Stamp act hit elites harder than others but elites means to oppose the Act
Colonial Perceptions of British Actions
Saw themselves being taxed directly by Parliament, not locally elected representatives Power to tax was power to take property and thus liberty Saw trial by jury being eliminated by Parliament through use of admiralty courts, burden of proof on the defendant British troops seen not as a force to protect the colonists but as a force to control them Combination of troops in America at same time taxes not approved by American legislatures were being imposed created great suspicion of British motives Most colonist believed that Parliament could legislate for them but not tax ( job for local assemblies) British actions showed that Americans were not equals of those living in Englandno right to jury trials or taxation by consent Hurt colonial pride and post war expectations In addition, economy was in a recession with loss of war time spending
In summary, Britains attempts to bring American colonies economies and taxation into line with the rest of British Empire came at a very bad time both psychologically and economically
Stamp Act Crisis
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Virginia assembly first to deny Parliament s taxes on colonies Nine other colonies join Virginia. They met at Stamp Act congress Colonies imposed boycotts of British made goods Stamp offices attacked and some burned Resistance to Stamp Act organized and enforced by Sons of Libertyan inter colonial organization Organized numerous and large protests Colonial argument against Stamp Act written by Samuel Adams Within 3 months the act is practically unenforced 1766Stamp Act repealed due in part to boycotts of British goods but also new PM who opposed the act Repeal linked to passage of Declaratory Act repeating Parliaments right to tax colonies
Results
United the colonistsalmost all colonies had communities to oppose the Stamp Act They met to determine the action they would take In short, they acted together against a problem Colonies realized that they have distinct American attitudes: no taxation without representation, rejection of theory of virtual representation Strengthened colonial view that good government was one that left them alone and wielded limited power Also realized that Britain generally did not understand their position Realized that they really did not want colonial PMs in London could be out-voted at any time Just wanted a fair degree of self-government
Townshends Acts/ Townshends Follies
1766Charles Townshend named chancellor of the Exchequer Determined to raise more money from the colonies 1767proposed a new taxes for paper, glass and tea( all imported from Britain), revenue could be used to pay salaries of royal officials in colonies Till now colonial assemblies had paid royal officials Also proposed: American Board of Customs Commissioners Vice-Admiralty Courts in Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston Appointment of Secretary of State for American Affaires Suspension of NY legislature for non-compliance with Quartering Act 1767The American Board of Customs Comm. Was based in Boston, center of the intense resistance to acts Colonial reaction swift Some colonist stated that Parliament could regulate trade but not use that power to raise revenues Implied that colonies would have to examine ant Parliamentary law before deciding whether or not to obey it 1768Massachusetts colony sent a letter others for unit and protest petition
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British Secretary of State for American Affaires ordered Mass. Governor to have assembly to recall the letter and ordered colonial governors to prevent from even discussing letter This threat to the powers and rights of colonial legislatures united the colonies 1768Bostonian colonial ship seized for smuggling led to riot In response British station two regiments of soldiers in Boston made people of Boston see the redcoats as reminder of oppressive British power Late 1768Mass. Legislature rejected recalling letter so Secretary of State dissolved assembly Other assemblies were dissolved later when they met and discussed the letter 1768-1770Sons of Liberty worked to include ordinary American colonists in resistance to Townshend Acts Published articles and published their activities Women also become involved in the resistance movement significance : a much broader support in society British was not aware of these facts 2 March 1770Bostonians attack redcoats looking for extra work at a shipyard; both sides get reinforcements and fight groups 5 March 1770crowd begins throwing snowballs at soldiers guarding customs house. Guards open fire killing 4 immediately and injuring 8 (one of them died later). Event became known Boston Massacre. Great anti-British propaganda but colonial leaders did not manage to keep situation calm.
AFTER,
New PM Lord North repeals Townshend taxes except tea tax For next 2 years, things remain calm in colonies but the arguments for resistance to British measures continues and grows in press Still no call for independence, envisaged colonies loyal to king but ruled by their elected local assemblies This concept of government totally alien to British 1772British begins to pay governors and judges from customs revenues Boston voters establish a Committee of Correspondence to inform other Mass. Towns of their decision to resist British actions Soon colonies established their own committees These committees spread the resistance to more distant area away from the coastal cities and made resistance movement much more of a popular movement Published a list of grievances: Taxation without representation Unnecessary troops and customs officials in the colonies Use of customs revenues to pay royal officials
Gaspe Affair
June 1772it was a ship used to enforce customs regulations Group of men from Sons of Liberty attacked, boarded and burned ship British authorities wanted to charge attackers with treason and try them in England Many colonial leaders saw this as another attempt to interfere with their legal system and Gaspe Affair become another case of tension between colonies and England
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After,
1773tea taxcolonial boycott had not been very effective but still very symbolic of hated Townshend Acts Before 1773British East Indian Company had monopoly on sea trade. Paid 25% tax in England. Sold their tea at ack artrma. English merchants then shipped tea to colonies and sold it to colonial merchants Tea imported from Holland was not taxed, so Dutch tea smuggled by colonial traders was cheaper and very popular British government wanted to change this situation May 1773the teas act passed to help the financially troubled British East Indian Company East Indian Company directly sells its tea to colonies. Tea was sent on consignment to colonial merchants who got a percentage of their sales Hated Townshend tea tax was kept to pay colonial officials but British tea now cheaper than smuggled tea. The act created a protest. WHY? Taxation without representation Disliked use of tea tax revenues Hurt very profitable smuggling Tea merchants not working for East Indian Company would go out of business Gave East Indian Company a monopoly on colonial tea trade Some colonists feared that British monopolies on other goods in future By early 1774merchants working for company forced to resign in Charleston, Philadelphia, NY Tea was either seized by customs officials or ships returned to England Late November 1774three ships arrive in Boston, the only city with East Indian Company office Ships had 20 days to unload and pay custom duties Colonial workers refused to unload tea. Boston protesters urged the ships to return to England with their tea Mass. Governor refused to let ships go was determined to unload tea and collect tax tea Meeting between colonial representatives and governor: unsuccessful That night 16 December 1774group of colonists from Sons of Liberty disguised and dump tea Boston HarborBoston Tea Party Samuel Adams defended action, other colonial leader offered to pay the tea British officials determined to punish act and ordered a series of measures
The Coercive Acts/ Intolerable Acts
1. Mass. Government Act: changed Mass. Charter Governors elected council replaced with an appointed council Governors power increased Most town meetings prohibited without governors permission
2. Administration of Justice Act: British soldiers accused of murder while enforcing law would be tried in England. This act granted change of venue
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3. Boston Port act: closed Boston harbor until destroyed teas was paid for and coastal trade was also banned
4. Quartering Act: gave military commanders power to house troops in private homes without permission of owner
5. Quebec Act Greater religious freedom for Catholics made protestant colonists very suspicious Reinstated French civil law Colony governed by an appointed council Annexed area east of Mississippi river and north of Ohio river to Quebec cancelled colonial claims to this territory
Colonial Response to Acts
Colonial leaders decide to meet in Philadelphia in 1774 September Purpose was to create a joint colonial response to Intolerable Acts Had to come to realize that their ideas on politics and rights were different from England and that colonial and English economic interests were not always the same First Continental Congress/5 September Three things to do:
1. Define American complaints 2. Develop a plan for resistance 3. Outline a theory of colonies constitutional relations with England
Complaints easy to define:
1. Taxation without representation 2. Unnecessary British troops and customs officials 3. The Intolerable Acts
Plan for resistance: Petitioned King to repeal the Intolerable Acts Establish Continental Association in change of economic boycotts (no imports of English goods and no exports to Britain) and Committees of Observance to enforce boycotts It worked in each colonies, inspired local popularly elected Provincial Conventionstook over the role of government in most colonies. Effectively replacing authority of governor and closed assembly Courts preventing from holding sessions and taxes collected by provincial tax collecters Began forming militias and gathering arms
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Third task: three main theories
1. Radical theory: allegiance to king only. Parliament is merely English local legislature with no authority over colonies 2. Conservative theory: laws pertaining to colonies would require joint consent of parliament and a general American legislature to be created in the future 3. Compromise theory: colonies consent to Parliamentary acts limited to regulating commerce because for the time being it is in colonies best interest. Would continue to resist taxes in ??? This theory was accepted by Continental Congress British Response 1774king George III: The die is cast now. The colonies must either submit or triumph. 1775 JanuaryBritish government orders General Thomas Gage commander in Boston to arrest several colonial leaders. Orders do not reach Boston until 1775 April 1775 Aprilmost of colonial leaders in Boston had fled or in hiding General Gage ordered to confiscate colonial arms reported to be stored in Concord Colonist moved all arms from Concord 8 April Also informed of British plans to march to Concord, possibly by Gages wife Margaret Kemble Gage Aware of British plans Paul Revere and two others rode to worn colonists along road to British approachknown as Paul Reveres Midnight Ride 19 AprilLt. Francis Smith arrives Concord with 700 soldiers Arrived in Lexington to find 80 colonial militiamen assembled on village green Militias did not intend to stop British troops British moved to block militiamen and order them to leave as most of their force Around 5.00 someone fired a shot and 10 killed START of AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Second Continental Congress/ 15 May 1775 Declares war, takes states militias as start of continental army and appoints George Washington from Virginia He spent his time organizing a supply system and imposing discipline and order on his new army June 1775Battle of Bunker Hill In Boston British try to drive Americans from their position on Breeds Hill British succeeded but with 228 killed and over 800 injured. American losses less than half of English British Assumption about Revolution
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Colonists could not resist assaults of trained British troops, so sent only 32.000 troops to colonists Thought war would like be European war, so concentrated on capturing American cities Assumed military victory would result in keeping the colonies loyalty to Britain All WRONG! Americans would stand against British soldiers Military defeat did not make them abandon their political aims British gained control of most American cities but commerce did not stop only 5% of population lived in cities so loss of a city had little effect on the Americans Did not understand the nature of Revolution. Victory required not only military success but success in convincing colonists to again be loyal to England
PT United Can Company Ltd. v. Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc., F/k/a Continental Can Company Richard Krzyzanowski John W. Conway, 138 F.3d 65, 2d Cir. (1998)