the colonial economy and the colonial wars

The Colonial Economy and the

Colonial Wars

Summary . . .• Two different cultural centers:

– New England– Chesapeake Bay

• Broad participation in government.• Basic concept of “English liberties.”• Little or no tolerance.• Conditions improve in the South.• Conditions appear to deteriorate in New England.

The Imperial Economic System

Basic principles . . .• No understanding of modern capitalism.• “Fair price.”• Government supported (dictated) monopolies.• Major elements of the colonial economy:

– agriculture– commerce– limited manufacturing

• rum• ships

The “TriangleTrade”

The “Triangle Trade”

TimberSkins

RumFood

TobaccoNaval stores

Fish

Rice

SugarMolasses Slaves

ManufacturedGoods

Deer hides

Closed Economic Systems

The “Colonial Wars”

French

SpanishEnglish

Indians

Indians

Indians

English colonial military organization

• English colonies in North America primarily civilian.

• Mercenary military advisors.• Miles Standish• John Smith

• Settlers bring traditional concept of militia• Universal military obligation, 16-60.

• Settlers also bring fear of standing army.

The “American Way of War”English vs. Indians

• “Civilization” vs. “Savagery”• English colonists in North America:

• Highly ethnocentric • A long way from England• A naturally violent society (Thirty Years’ War)

• Defeat = annihilation• Pequot War a good example.

The “American Way of War”English vs. Indians

• Technology actually not that important.– Bows more accurate and dependable– Firearms only more impressive

• Key factors:– Objective (annihilation)

• Coordination• Discipline

– Use of Indian allies– Economic domination of Indian culture

The “Colonial Wars”

• King William’s War • Queen Anne’s War • King George’s War• French and Indian War

• War of the League of Augsburg• War of the Spanish Succession• War of the Austrian Succession• Seven Years’ War

New York City

Albany

TiconderogaFrench, 1755-1759British, 1759-1775US, 1775-1777British, 1777-1779

Crown PointFrench, 1730’s-1759British, 1759-1773

New York City

Albany

TiconderogaFrench, 1755-1759British, 1759-1775US, 1775-1777British, 1777-1779

Crown PointFrench, 1730’s-1759British, 1759-1773Iroquois

ConfederationFrench

New York City

Albany

TiconderogaFrench, 1755-1759British, 1759-1775US, 1775-1777British, 1777-1779

Crown PointFrench, 1730’s-1759British, 1759-1773Iroquois

ConfederationFrench

Characteristics of Colonial military service and operations:

• Few British Regulars in the colonies• Militia used primarily for immediate local

defense (frontier).• Wartime operations conducted by:

• Deployed Regular forces • Colonial volunteers• Indians allies

Militia

RegularsColonial

VolunteersIndians

British Command

Militia

British Command

What Americans “learned” . . .

• Military service = $$• British soldiers are scum• British officers are stupid and arrogant• American ways of fighting are superior

• American-British military contact sows seeds of rebellion.

• Militia an important concept, but others fight.

Seven Years’ Waraka: “French and Indian War”

“The Great War for Empire”

• Starts in North America instead of Europe.• Virginia opposition to French presence in

Ohio Valley.• Major George Washington sent to warn

French off.

“Braddock’s Defeat”

Fort Duquesne

Virginia

“Braddock’s Defeat”

Main Body

Advance Guard

British

French

“Braddock’s Defeat”

Main Body

Advance Guard

British

French

“Braddock’s Defeat”

Main Body

Advance Guard

British

French

“Braddock’s Defeat”

duh ?

“Braddock’s Defeat”

duh ?

“Braddock’s Defeat”

“Braddock’s Defeat”

“Oh, @#$%^!!”

“Braddock’s Defeat”

“Braddock’s Defeat”

“Braddock’s Defeat”Remnants of Advance Guard

Main Body

“Braddock’s Defeat”

“???”

“Braddock’s Defeat”

“Oh, @#$%^!!!”

Lessons of “Braddock’s Defeat”

• American colonials: British are stupid. • They don’t understand how to fight here.

• In reality: Tactical mistake by commander of the advanced guard.

The Seven Years’ War• Fought in Europe as well as North America.• Same as previous wars . . .• . . . except Britain not doing too well . . .• until William Pitt become Prime Minister.

– understand this is a war for empire,– raises more $$$,– focus shifts to North America.

What Americans “learned” . . .• Military service = $$• British soldiers are scum• British officers are stupid and arrogant• American ways of fighting are superior

• American-British military contact sows seeds of rebellion.

• Militia an important concept, but others fight.

These “military” lessons will morph into social and political lessons.