British colonial America

Definition

British Colonial America refers to the territories in North America that were colonized by England from the early 17th century until the American Revolution in the late 18th century. This period saw the establishment of thirteen colonies, each with its own unique social, economic, and political structures, significantly influenced by class divisions and racial hierarchies that developed during this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The thirteen colonies were divided into three regions: New England, Middle, and Southern colonies, each developing distinct economies and social structures.
2. Racial hierarchies became entrenched in colonial society, particularly in the Southern colonies where slavery became a key institution for economic prosperity.
3. British colonial policy was largely shaped by mercantilism, which prioritized the interests of the mother country over those of the colonies.
4. The reliance on indentured servitude shifted over time to a greater dependence on enslaved labor, particularly in agriculture-based economies.
5. Class distinctions were pronounced in British Colonial America, with a wealthy elite controlling land and resources while lower classes faced significant social mobility challenges.

Review Questions

• How did class divisions manifest in British Colonial America and what were their effects on society?
  • Class divisions in British Colonial America were evident in the distinct lifestyles and opportunities available to different social strata. Wealthy landowners held significant power and influence, shaping local governance and societal norms. In contrast, lower classes, including indentured servants and enslaved individuals, faced limited rights and mobility. These class dynamics fostered tensions that would later contribute to revolutionary sentiments as disparities became more pronounced.
• Discuss the role of racial hierarchies in shaping economic practices in British Colonial America.
  • Racial hierarchies played a crucial role in the economic framework of British Colonial America, particularly in the Southern colonies where plantation agriculture thrived. The demand for labor led to the establishment of slavery as a central institution. Enslaved Africans were seen as property rather than people, which justified their exploitation for agricultural production. This racial system not only provided economic benefits to white landowners but also created lasting social divisions that would persist long after the colonial period.
• Evaluate how mercantilist policies influenced the relationships between Britain and its American colonies during the colonial period.
  • Mercantilist policies significantly influenced British-American relations by prioritizing British economic interests over colonial autonomy. The Navigation Acts mandated that trade between the colonies and other nations be conducted exclusively through British ships, limiting colonial trade opportunities. This fostered resentment among colonists who sought greater economic independence. As these policies intensified throughout the 18th century, they contributed to growing tensions that ultimately culminated in calls for independence from British rule.

Related terms

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that dominated European thought in the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and establishing colonies to benefit the mother country.

Indentured Servitude:

A labor system in which individuals worked for a specified number of years in exchange for passage to America and the promise of land or money after their service.

Triangular Trade:

A transatlantic trading network that connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas, involving the exchange of goods, enslaved people, and raw materials.