Colonial America

Definition

Colonial America refers to the period from the early 1600s until the American Revolution in 1776 when European settlers established colonies along the eastern coast of North America. This era was marked by the cultural, social, and economic development of these colonies, which laid the groundwork for the future United States and deeply influenced the literature produced during this time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Colonial America consisted of various regions, each with distinct characteristics, such as New England, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies, each developing unique literary traditions.
2. Literature from this period often reflected themes of religious devotion, social order, and colonial life, with works ranging from sermons and diaries to poetry and fiction.
3. The first printing press in America was established in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1638, allowing for a greater distribution of literature and ideas among colonists.
4. Notable early writers included Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor, who used their poetry to explore personal and communal experiences within a Puritan framework.
5. Colonial America experienced significant cultural exchanges as a result of interactions between European settlers, Native Americans, and enslaved Africans, influencing the literature that emerged during this time.

Review Questions

• How did the different regions of Colonial America influence the literary styles and themes present in their respective works?
  • The distinct characteristics of each region in Colonial America—New England's focus on Puritan values, the Middle Colonies' diversity, and the Southern Colonies' plantation culture—shaped their literature significantly. For example, New England literature often emphasized religious themes and moral lessons reflective of Puritan beliefs, while Southern writers might incorporate themes related to slavery and agrarian life. These regional influences led to varied poetic styles and subject matters that enriched the literary landscape of Colonial America.
• Discuss how the Transatlantic Slave Trade affected the development of literature during Colonial America.
  • The Transatlantic Slave Trade had a profound impact on Colonial American literature by introducing diverse voices and experiences into the literary canon. Enslaved Africans contributed to oral traditions and folk tales that merged with European storytelling techniques. Additionally, narratives from formerly enslaved individuals later provided critical insights into the moral complexities of slavery. This blending of cultures highlighted themes of oppression and resilience that would become significant in American literature as a whole.
• Evaluate the role of Puritanism in shaping both the content and style of literary works in Colonial America.
  • Puritanism played a central role in shaping Colonial American literature by emphasizing themes of faith, morality, and communal identity. The strict moral codes dictated not only the content but also influenced literary styles characterized by plain language, didacticism, and an introspective tone. Writers like Anne Bradstreet expressed personal struggles through poetry that adhered to Puritan ideals while also challenging some aspects of those beliefs. This tension between personal experience and communal expectation reflects a deeper exploration of individualism within the broader framework of Puritan thought.

Related terms

Puritanism: A religious movement that emerged in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, emphasizing a strict moral code, community values, and a focus on individual piety within the context of colonial society.

Transatlantic Slave Trade: The forced transportation of enslaved Africans to the Americas, which played a crucial role in the economic development of Colonial America and significantly influenced its literature and culture.

Indentured Servitude: A labor system where individuals worked for a set number of years in exchange for passage to America, contributing to the labor force and social dynamics of Colonial America.