Seventeenth century

Definition

The seventeenth century, spanning from 1601 to 1700, was a period marked by significant transformations in politics, society, and culture across the globe. This century witnessed the rise of powerful colonial empires, shifts in religious dynamics, and major developments in science and philosophy, all of which played a crucial role in shaping the course of American history and its colonies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The seventeenth century saw the establishment of several English colonies in North America, including Jamestown in 1607 and Plymouth in 1620.
2. Religious conflicts during this time, such as the Thirty Years' War in Europe, influenced migration patterns, with many seeking religious freedom in the New World.
3. The emergence of mercantilist policies led European powers to compete for resources and markets, impacting trade relations with Native Americans and other colonial powers.
4. Scientific advancements during this century included developments in astronomy and physics, as exemplified by figures like Galileo and Newton, which also influenced Enlightenment thinking.
5. The interaction between European settlers and Indigenous peoples became increasingly complex during this time, as trade alliances formed alongside violent conflicts.

Review Questions

• How did colonialism during the seventeenth century shape the social dynamics within the American colonies?
  • Colonialism in the seventeenth century fundamentally altered social dynamics in the American colonies by introducing diverse populations, including settlers, enslaved Africans, and Indigenous peoples. This mix created a complex social hierarchy influenced by race, class, and religion. The establishment of colonies like Virginia and Massachusetts demonstrated varying social structures: Virginia focused on cash crop economies with a reliance on enslaved labor, while Massachusetts developed around community-based religious practices. These differences set the stage for future regional identities and conflicts.
• Analyze the impact of Puritanism on the cultural landscape of New England during the seventeenth century.
  • Puritanism had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of New England in the seventeenth century by establishing a society centered around strict religious beliefs and communal values. The Puritans emphasized moral rigor and educational attainment, leading to the founding of institutions like Harvard College in 1636. Their belief in a 'city upon a hill' fostered a sense of mission that influenced American identity. However, this also resulted in intolerance towards dissenters, exemplified by events such as the Salem witch trials, highlighting tensions between religious fervor and individual freedoms.
• Evaluate the role of mercantilism in shaping European colonial policies towards their American territories during the seventeenth century.
  • Mercantilism played a crucial role in shaping European colonial policies during the seventeenth century by promoting state control over economic activities to enhance national power. Countries like England and France established regulations that prioritized their colonies as sources of raw materials while limiting trade with other nations. This led to competition for resources among European powers and impacted relationships with Native Americans, as colonists sought to exploit land for agriculture and trade. The mercantilist approach not only shaped economic interactions but also laid the groundwork for conflicts that arose from colonial expansion and competition for dominance in North America.

Related terms

Colonialism:

The practice of establishing control over foreign lands and peoples, often through settlement and exploitation of resources.

Puritanism:

A religious reform movement within Protestantism that sought to purify the Church of England and led many to settle in New England.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of government in regulating trade and commerce to increase national wealth, often associated with colonial expansion.