Chapter 3 - Growth of the American Colonies, 1689-1754

Summary

Varied landforms and climates, a steady stream of immigrants from different regions of the world, and England's policy of neglect gave rise to a diversity of beliefs, economies, and people in North America. A spirit of independence also spread among the colonists during this period—not just independence from England, but also from each other.

Chapter Outline

Section 1: An Empire and Its Colonies

The English colonies grew and prospered with little direct interference from the English government from the mid-1600s to the early 1700s.

Section 1: Analyzing Primary Sources: State Constitutions

Using the links below, research early state constitutions and explore other government documents. Take notes on the systems of government outlined by these documents. Then, create a table comparing at least two of the documents you researched.
Colonial Charters, Grants and Related Documents
Frame of Government of Pennsylvania
New York Charter of Liberties and Privileges
Internet Modern History Sourcebook: Colonial North America

Section 2: Life in Colonial America

The social groups that made up colonial society had different roles and ways of living.

Section 2: Virtual Field Trip: Christopher Wren Building

Using the links below, explore the Christopher Wren building of William and Mary College. Using the additional links, learn about college life and education in the 1700s. Then, write an essay on what the life of a student was like in colonial times.
The Wren Building
Colonial Williamsburg: Wren Building
The Early History of Harvard
The Curriculum of the Boston Latin Grammar School

Section 3: African Americans in the Colonies

Africans, brought across the Atlantic Ocean as slaves, helped build England's American colonies while enduring harsh and brutal treatment.

Section 3: Writing a Biography: Olaudah Equiano

Using the links below, investigate the life and times of Olaudah Equiano. Then, write a one-page biography outlining his experiences.
Olaudah Equiano
PBS Online: People & Events: Olaudah Equiano
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano

Section 4: Emerging Tensions

In the mid-1700s, the American colonies experienced a population boom and a powerful religious revival.

Section 4: Mapping History: Historic Maps

Using the links below, explore historic maps from the 1600s and 1700s. Then, write a brief essay describing what maps you studied and how they illustrate this period of American history.
Rare Map Collection: Colonial America
Library of Congress: Discovery and Exploration

Mr. Orsucci's Cool Website