Chapter 4 explores the maturation of colonial society and the transformation of the colonies’ development with Britain between the 1600s and 1763. The relationship between the mother country and the colonies, the imperial trade system, social, cultural and religious links, and the nature of political thought are surveyed. The North American empires of France and Spain came into conflict with the expanding English settlements which had begun moving into the backcountry. A century of warfare, linked to balance of power politics in Europe, involved these empires and their Native American allies. This chapter ends by examining the French and Indian War and its outcome.
After reading this chapter you should be able to:
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Explain the concept of mercantilism and offer examples of British trade legislation designed to promote this economic policy.
- Discuss the characteristics of eighteenth century American life.
- Explain the Age of Enlightenment and its impact on colonial intellectual development.
- Explain the Great Awakening and its impact on theology and religious style in the American colonies.
- Discuss the major trends in British colonial administration; explain the terms actual representation and virtual representation.
- Describe Spanish expansion into Texas and California.
- Describe the French movement into the Mississippi Valley.
- List each of the various European wars and their colonial counterparts; explain the causes of the French and Indian War, the major campaigns of the war and the impact of the Treaty of Paris of 1763.
