Colonial SOCIETY and CULTURE [APUSH Review Unit 2 Topic 7 (2.7)] Period 2—1607-1754

Colonial Society and Structure: 1607 to 1754

The Influence of Enlightenment on American Culture

• The video introduces the question of how the movement of ideas and people across the Atlantic contributed to American culture, starting with a discussion on religion.

• The Enlightenment emphasized rational thinking over tradition and religious revelation, significantly influencing colonial thought through transatlantic print culture.

• Key Enlightenment figures like John Locke introduced concepts such as natural rights—life, liberty, and property—as inherent rights granted by a creator rather than a monarch.

• Enlightenment thinkers also promoted the idea of a social contract where power resides with the people, who can replace governments that fail to protect their rights.

Tension Between Enlightenment Ideas and Religious Authority

• The rise of scientific inquiry during the Enlightenment led to diminishing confidence in biblical authority among colonists.

• This tension set the stage for a significant religious revival known as the Great Awakening, driven by preachers lamenting the loss of faith in biblical revelation.

The Great Awakening: A Religious Revival

• New Light clergy emerged during this period, inspired by German Pietism which emphasized emotional spirituality over intellectualism.

• Jonathan Edwards was a prominent figure whose sermons combined Enlightenment ideas with intense religious fervor; his famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" exemplified this blend.

• George Whitfield traveled from England to America, spreading messages about salvation through grace; he became renowned for his powerful preaching style.

Social Consequences of the Great Awakening

• As Whitfield preached across colonies, he emphasized democratic tendencies found in biblical texts, encouraging common people that wealth did not determine God's favor.

• This movement fostered resistance against wealthy colonial officials and altered colonists' attitudes towards authority structures.

Summary: Impact on Colonial Governance

• The combination of Enlightenment ideals and Great Awakening fervor led to self-governing structures forming within colonies as they sought more participatory governance amidst British challenges.

Colonial Resistance and Impressment

Growing Frustration with British Rule

• The American colonies began to grow frustrated with British rule, leading to increased resistance. This theme will be explored further in the next unit.

Example of Colonial Resistance: Impressment

• One significant example of colonial resistance was the practice of impressment, where men were seized against their will to serve in the British Royal Navy. This created a sense of mistrust between the colonies and Britain.

• Many colonists viewed impressment as unreasonable, especially since life aboard British naval ships was perilous due to battles, disease, and malnutrition.

Historical Context: King George's War

• In 1747, during King George's War (part of the War of Austrian Succession), Britain ordered a general impressment from America. This led to riots among Americans who opposed such actions.

Philosophical Underpinnings

• The growing awareness among colonists about violations of their natural rights—concepts influenced by John Locke—fueled their rebellion against British policies.

Implications for Future Conflicts