Colonial america

Definition

Colonial America refers to the period of American history from the late 15th century until the American Revolution in the late 18th century, during which European powers established colonies in North America. This era laid the groundwork for cultural, social, and political development in what would become the United States, shaping various aspects of life such as religion, economy, and literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Colonial America consisted of various regions, including New England, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies, each with distinct cultures and economies.
2. The period saw the establishment of diverse religious communities, including Puritans, Quakers, and Catholics, contributing to a rich tapestry of American religious life.
3. The economy of Colonial America was largely based on agriculture, trade, and resource extraction, with plantations being prominent in the Southern Colonies.
4. Literature from Colonial America often reflected themes of faith, morality, and the challenges of frontier life, with writers like Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor emerging during this time.
5. Colonial policies and relationships with Native Americans were complex, leading to both cooperation and conflict as settlers expanded their territories.

Review Questions

• How did the diverse regions within Colonial America contribute to differing cultural and economic practices?
  • The diverse regions in Colonial America—New England, Middle Colonies, and Southern Colonies—each developed distinct cultural identities and economic practices due to their geography, climate, and resources. For example, New England's harsh climate led to smaller farms and a focus on trade and fishing, while the Southern Colonies' fertile land encouraged large-scale plantations. This regional diversity played a crucial role in shaping societal norms, religious practices, and ultimately influenced the literary outputs of these areas.
• Discuss how Puritan beliefs influenced literary works in Colonial America.
  • Puritan beliefs significantly shaped literary works in Colonial America by prioritizing themes of piety, morality, and introspection. Writers like Edward Taylor used metaphysical poetry to explore complex spiritual concepts and personal faith. The Puritan emphasis on plainness in writing was countered by Taylor's intricate metaphors and vivid imagery, reflecting both his devout beliefs and the intellectual engagement with metaphysical ideas that characterized this era's literature.
• Evaluate the impact of colonial policies on relationships with Native Americans during this period.
  • Colonial policies had a profound impact on relationships with Native Americans by fostering both conflict and cooperation. As settlers expanded their territories under mercantilist principles, they often encroached on Native lands leading to violent confrontations like King Philip's War. Conversely, some colonies sought alliances for trade or military support against rival European powers. These interactions influenced not only the demographic landscape but also led to significant cultural exchanges that would shape early American identity.

Related terms

Puritanism: A religious reform movement that arose within the Church of England, emphasizing strict moral codes and a personal relationship with God, which heavily influenced colonial life in New England.

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasized the role of government in regulating trade and commerce to increase national wealth, which guided colonial policies and trade relationships.

Transatlantic Slave Trade: The forced transportation of enslaved Africans to the Americas to work on plantations, which had profound social and economic impacts on colonial America.