Colonial America

Definition

Colonial America refers to the period from the early 1600s to the late 1700s when European powers, primarily England, established settlements and colonies on the North American continent. This era was marked by significant economic, social, and political developments that shaped the future United States. The interactions between colonists, indigenous peoples, and enslaved Africans created a complex society that laid the groundwork for later American identity and commerce, particularly through systems like Triangular Trade.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first permanent English settlement in Colonial America was Jamestown, founded in 1607 in Virginia.
2. Colonial America was characterized by a diverse economy including agriculture, trade, and artisanal crafts, with regions specializing in different products like tobacco, rice, and fur.
3. The Triangular Trade connected Colonial America with Europe and Africa, facilitating the exchange of goods and enslaved people.
4. Many colonies established their own systems of governance, leading to significant political developments such as the creation of representative assemblies.
5. The Great Awakening in the 1730s and 1740s was a religious revival that encouraged questioning authority and laid the groundwork for revolutionary ideas.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of colonial settlements influence economic development in Colonial America?
  • The establishment of colonial settlements significantly influenced economic development by creating new markets for goods produced in America. Settlers engaged in various trades and agricultural practices that reflected their region's resources, such as tobacco in Virginia and wheat in Pennsylvania. This economic diversification fostered inter-colonial trade networks and connected Colonial America with European markets, laying a foundation for a more complex economy as demand for American goods grew.
• Evaluate the impact of Triangular Trade on both Colonial America and its international relationships during the colonial period.
  • Triangular Trade had a profound impact on Colonial America by linking it economically to Europe and Africa. This system facilitated the exchange of raw materials from America for manufactured goods from Europe while also involving the slave trade that brought enslaved Africans to work on plantations. These interactions not only bolstered the colonial economy but also contributed to deep social and cultural changes within American society, establishing ties that would influence future diplomatic relationships as the colonies sought independence.
• Assess how the political developments during Colonial America set the stage for the American Revolution.
  • Political developments during Colonial America played a crucial role in setting the stage for the American Revolution by fostering a sense of self-governance among colonists. The establishment of representative assemblies allowed colonists to exercise some degree of political power and voice their concerns about British rule. As issues like taxation without representation emerged, these early experiences with self-governance fueled revolutionary sentiments, ultimately leading colonists to challenge British authority and strive for independence.

Related terms

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasizes the role of government in managing trade to increase national wealth, often through the establishment of colonies.

Indentured Servitude: A labor system where individuals worked for a set number of years in exchange for passage to America, food, and shelter.

Slave Trade: The transatlantic trade system that forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas to work primarily on plantations.