Eighteenth Century North America
Hyperlinked materials are considered part of each lecture
and should be reviewed.
Compared with the seventeenth
century, eighteenth century English colonial society became
more complex and hierarchical, more ethnically and
religiously diverse, and more economically and politically
developed. Compared with Europe, the colonies were a land of
opportunity (for whites); but relative to the previous
century, there was a rising economic hierarchy, emerging
social hierarchy and increasing social complexity. Ninety
percent of "Americans" were agriculturalists--but a growing
class of wealthy planters and merchants were at the top of
the socio-economic pyramid. A significant number of
individuals (male and female) were at the lower levels of
the pyramid--Native Americans, slaves, free blacks, poor
whites--creating an identifiable lower/under class. In many
ways, I picture this time period in the English colonies as
I perceive human adolescence. A time of extensive change,
rising emotions, a need to think for oneself, a feeling of
increased competence, a willingness to test limits--and, on
occasion, the ability to be incredibly irritating and
irrational.
From the perspective of 1754, a
colonial political union appeared highly improbable.
American population grew at a rapid rate--doubling every
twenty-five years. The expanding population pushed
settlement westward, creating communities with different
interests and distinct cultures from those along the coast.
The "Old South" began to emerge, based on large scale
plantation slavery for the production of staple crops for
export. The Mid-Atlantic colonies, especially Pennsylvania
and New Jersey was considered the "best poor man's country"
with individual farmers developing self sufficient
agricultural enterprises which also provided food to the
emerging urban centers. New England suffered from a
faltering economy and currency problems related in part to
the circulation of paper currency. Along the frontier or
"backcountry", was another group of rugged individuals
surviving in a sparsely settled, relatively dangerous
environment . Eighteenth century Americans were also deeply
divided by ethnic and sectional differences. The arrival of
more non-English immigrants and the increase of slave
importation intensified divisions. Small seacoast villages
became major seaport cities. The backwood's settlements
expanded and the frontier was continually pushed westward.
Social, economic, cultural, ethnic, racial and regional
differences often became a source of tension and unrest.
Review an intriguing and somewhat regional article about the
Capture of Mary Jamison
by the Iroquois Confederacy
raiding party.
Another significant issue of
concern was religion. Although colonial church membership
was still at a high level, second and third generation
colonists seemed to lack the fervor and piety of the first
settlers. The older concept of a utopian theocracy was
disappearing as communities became more diverse and
settlement pushed the edges of the frontier. As the
philosophical and scientific ideas of the Enlightenment
began to take hold throughout England and her Colonies, the
conflict between human reason and biblical revelation became
a controversy of significant proportion. Emerging from this
environment, in the 1730's and 1740's, was a new breed of
preachers--evangelical "New Lights" gesturing dramatically,
demonstrating great emotion, threatening fire and brimstone,
promoting salvation and in some cases whipping the crowds
into a frenzy at revival meeting throughout the colonies.
Itinerant preachers like Gilbert Tennent, Jonathan Edwards
and George Whitefield traveled throughout the colonies
promoting their message that sinful men and women were
dependent upon an all powerful and merciful God for
salvation and eternal happiness. This period, called
The Great Awakening,
attracted many converts especially youth, women and slaves
as the almost entertaining revivals attracted thousands. The
old established Churches were often in conflict with some of
their revived members, new religious groups/churches began
to expand throughout the colonies and the people dramatic
social changes of this time period required a new form of
direction and reassurance. The impact of this religious
awakening had an enormous impact on emerging perspectives
regarding the social order, political/religious authority
and a new emphasis on education. An interesting issue to
ponder is that young people (ages 5-20) experiencing the
"Great Awakening" in 1740 were the adults of 1776 (ages
31-46) who were leaders of the Revolution. Another more
current perspective, is that if there is a significant
relationship between religious revival and dramatic changes
in social trends, what are the causes of recent evangelical
religions and events in our country today?
Throughout the first half of the
eighteenth century, in addition to the issues cited above,
the three empires in North America continually fought one
another. While the main fighting occurred in Europe, the
possession of the land and raw materials of North America
was a significant issue. By the middle of the eighteenth
century, the British empire had achieved domination after
victories in King William's War, Queen Anne's War, King
George's War and finally, the crushing defeat of the French
in the
French and Indian War.
This video clip provides a
visual and audio overview of this war
The French and Indian War Video.
From a colonial
perspective, the French and Indian War/Seven Year's War, was
predominantly centered in the colonies (note
this interesting article on Scalping During the French and
Indian War). When
called to make sacrifices for the defense of the empire, the
colonists responded with troops, food and other supplies.
British troops, generals, government officials and other
forms of imperial authority were necessary during this
conflict. Colonists used to "benign neglect" and self
government, were reminded that they were under control of
the king and parliament in England. However, in the course
of the years of warfare, the colonists defended their
liberty and played a significant role in securing North
America for the "Crown". Peace was at hand and the colonists
looked west of the Appalachian Mountains to secure more land
and push back the frontier as the French and her Indian
allies were defeated.
For each module I recommend that you visit A Biography
of America
http://learner.org/resources/series123.html#
,
an exceptional video instructional
series for high school and college students produced by WGBH
Boston in cooperation with the Library of Congress and the
National Archives and Records Administration. These thirty
minute lectures incorporate first person narratives,
photographs, film footage and documents related to various
historical time periods. Combined with my introductory
comments, the required textbooks and our discussions, I
believe you will acquire a more in-depth and enjoyable
encounter with history. Please note the requirements and
possible download limitations—which is why this is not a
requirement. Please follow the directions below and give it
a try!!!!
You can view Annenberg/CPB programs
of your choice online with a broadband connection whenever
you see this icon.
There is no
charge for this service.
Simply select a
program
and go to the individual program description listing and
click on the icon. Free sign up required for first-time
users. To hear the sound and view video, you should have
Windows Media Player, DSL, a cable modem, or a LAN
connection to a T1 line or greater, and have Javascript
enabled. For more information, please visit our broadband
FAQ.
For this topic—visit
http://learner.org/resources/series123.html#
and access the presentation: Growth and Empire.
Our textbook offers a very comprehensive Online Student
Learning Center. Click on the link below, Select the
appropriate chapter and you will have access to: Chapter
Objectives, Chapter in Perspective, Chapter Overview, numerous
Interactive Activities, Primary Source documents and my
favorite--Internet Exercises/Recommended Sites Related to the
Specific Topics
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072870982/student_view0/index.html
Folk Music of American History: Music and Lyrics
(highly recommended music before, during or after reading
cyberlectures!)
Additional
Folk Music and Lyrics