The Early Colonial Era

This presentation contains a meaningful set of information not

normally covered in a H.S. American History Course

This Power Point and accompanying materials are available at www.buschistory.net

Prior to European Interference

• There were distinct cultures

• Each culture had a unique identity

• Some chose to isolate themselves

• Some chose to interrelate• Their common bond was

a respect for their habitat

Cultures Varied throughout the Continent

Shortly after Colombus in 1492, the Europeans descended

Jamestown, Virginia

• The first formally settled colony was Jamestown, Virginia in 1607.

• Named after the Virgin Queen…. Elizabeth I

And Pretty soon…

Colonies developed different identities according to climate and charter

The Roots of Slavery

• Slaves were brought to the Americas beginning in the late 1400’s

• Racism and the demand for labor fueled the trade

• North, South, and Central America were all slave destinations.

• By 1810 over 11 Million Slaves were brought to the Americas.

Slavery in North America• As you can see the slave

trade formed a triangle.• Known as “Triangular

Trade,” slaves were initially sent to the Caribbean

• Slaves worked on Sugar Plantations making rum to be sold in the Colonies.

• The Rum paid for the Raw materials to be sent back to England.

• Manufactured goods could then be sold or traded for more slaves

Why did Slavery thrive in the American South?

G reat D em an d Id ea l C lim ate L ab or In ten s ive

K in g C otton

Slavery became part of the Southern Culture

• At First slaves were used for Tobacco.

• Cotton soon became more profitable

The Colonies develop…in spite of England

• Mercantilism– The colony existed for the

economic benefit of the mother country

– All trade rules were dictated by the mother country

– Raw materials were for the sole benefit of the mother country

– Finished good were returned to the colonies and sold at a great profit.

– An early version of Imperialism

• Salutary Neglect– England imposed little,

to no authority, over the colonies.

– Mercantilism satisfied England’s needs

– Over time, colonists became less British and more American

Make Sense of It!

1. How did the colonization of America lead to inevitable conflict with England?

2. Why did slavery thrive in the South?

3. What problem arose from labeling different Native American Cultures as “Indians?”