Life in Colonial America Colonial Society What determined

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Life in Colonial America

Life in Colonial America

Colonial Society • What determined a place in society: – Wealth – Gender –

Colonial Society • What determined a place in society: – Wealth – Gender – Race • Differences between social rank could be seen in clothing, houses, and manners

Wealth in Land • Foundation of real wealth was the land • Majority of

Wealth in Land • Foundation of real wealth was the land • Majority of landowners were white males – These men dominated politics • Lawyers, planters, and merchants held most of the seats in the colonial assemblies • Wealthy children received the best educations

Trades and Occupations • Artisans – These tradespeople were important in the colonies •

Trades and Occupations • Artisans – These tradespeople were important in the colonies • Tinware, pottery, cabinets, glassware • Printers – Colonial printers gathered and circulated local news and information – Benjamin Franklin was one of America’s most famous printers in the 1700’s • Farmers and Fishermen – Many colonial settlers turned to the seas – A growth of shipbuilding occurred • Indentured Servants

Colonial Women • The status of colonial women was determined by the men in

Colonial Women • The status of colonial women was determined by the men in their lives • A woman was under husband’s control • English law allowed husbands to beat their wives without fear of prosecution • Women handled the household operations

The Nature of Work • Colonists had to work very hard to keep themselves

The Nature of Work • Colonists had to work very hard to keep themselves and their families alive – Self-Sufficient • Children helped both parents from an early age

Colonial Education • Attendance at school was not required by law • Literacy rates

Colonial Education • Attendance at school was not required by law • Literacy rates were higher in New England than anywhere else in British North America • Boys attended the grammar school to prepare for college – Girls did not go to school • Universities were being established

Questions to Consider • Why was social rank so important during this time? •

Questions to Consider • Why was social rank so important during this time? • What occupations were important during this time? What did they contribute? • Why was land so valuable? • http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=KCOaf. Wf Xye 8