Chapter 4.5

What class differences existed in colonial colonies?

How did the Great Awakening affect colonial life?

How did the colonist educate their children? How were colonies affected by the spread of

these new ideas?

Most social classes enjoyed equality then their English counterparts.

Although class distinction existed in North America

Person’s birth and wealth determined their social status

Gentry were the wealthy planter, merchants, ministers and successful lawyers.

Below Gentry were the middle class, comprising ¾ of the colonial population

Middle class were farmers who owned land, skilled craftspeople and tradespeople.

A wife took care of the household. She cooked, made clothes and took care

of the children. Backcountry women worked alongside

husband in the fields Single women might work as servants,

nurses, others as midwives, and some took up a skill

Some took up trades such as butchering, candlestick and shoe makers.

By mid 1700’s, African influences were seen in North America

In the South, where whites were few, African cultures were strong. Example, children names, Quosh, Juba, or Cuff

Gullah language a mix of West African and English blended into American languages.

Powerful Preachers such as Jonathan Edwards preached for young people to examine their lives and heed the teachings of the Bible.

George Whitfield, 1739 preached the gospel, he drew large crowds and the movement spread.

It aroused bitter debate. People began worshiping

at home and by oneself. People would split off

from original church. Caused more tolerance

because of the growth of new churches.

Created a democratic feeling in colonial America.

Teachings that encouraged a spirit of independence

Challenge to authority If they can worship on

their own, then they can govern themselves.

New England Colonies – public schools were created by taxes, allowed both rich and poor to get an education

Middle Colonies – churches and individuals families set up private schools. Only wealthy families could educate their children

Southern Colonies – Tutors were hired because schools were to far away. Some wealthy planters sent their children to England

Boys entering trade or craft served as apprentices

Apprentices entered at 12 or 13 and would learn a trade from a master, the apprentice would not get paid.

Dame Schools (New England), girls attended school where they were taught

Science spreads because of reason and logic

Enlightenment - John Locke, gain knowledge by observing and learning

The son of a poor soap and candle maker

He learned from books and self taught math, literature and foreign languages

At 17, created Poor Richards Almanac

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy and wise.

Growth of Colonial News placed editors at odds with leaders

Zenger published the Weekly Journal

Zenger criticized New York governor

Placed on trial for libel Found innocent by jury First case of Freedom of Speech.