Growth of the English Colonies

Summary

This video explores the remarkable growth of English colonies in North America during the 1700s, highlighting a 900% population increase to 2.5 million by the mid-century. It discusses the 'salutary neglect' period, where England's minimal interference allowed colonies to flourish, fostering a sense of independence and self-government. The video also covers the economic boom driven by agriculture and trade, the development of industries in New England, and the establishment of the triangular trade system, which contributed to the colonies' rapid expansion and set the stage for future conflicts.

Takeaways

• 🌱 The English colonies in North America flourished due to abundant resources and agricultural production.
• 🌐 The southern colonies became a hub for religious freedom and economic opportunities, leading to a significant population increase.
• 📈 The population of the colonies grew from an estimated 250,000 in 1700 to about 2.5 million by the mid-1770s, a 900% increase.
• 🏡 A majority of white males in the colonies owned land, fostering a sense of independence and self-government.
• 🏛️ The term 'salutary neglect' refers to the period when England paid little attention to the colonies, allowing them autonomy.
• 🌾 The colonies were primarily agricultural, with the New England region focused on subsistence farming and the southern colonies on commercial farming.
• 🚢 New England developed industries like shipbuilding and whaling due to poor soil conditions for large-scale farming.
• 🔄 The triangular trade system involved the colonies in a trade network that included raw materials, finished goods, and enslaved people.
• 🌟 Colonists were generally taller and healthier than those in England, with better access to food and higher literacy rates.
• 🚀 The growth and economic development of the colonies laid the groundwork for the eventual American Revolution and the Civil War.

Q & A

What factors contributed to the growth of the English colonies in North America?

The growth of the English colonies in North America was due to an abundance of resources, enormous agricultural production, and the availability of land for property ownership.

How did the population of the English colonies change from 1700 to the mid-1770s?

The population of the colonies increased from an estimated 250,000 in 1700 to approximately 2.5 million by the mid-1770s, marking a 900 percent increase in barely 50 years.

What percentage of white males owned land in the colonies by the time of the American Revolution?

It is estimated that 67 percent of white males owned land in the colonies by the time of the American Revolution.

What was the term historians use to describe the period from 1621 to 1750 in the American colonies?

Historians refer to the period from 1621 to 1750 as the 'salutary neglect,' a time when England paid little attention to the American colonies and allowed them to operate with minimal interference.

How did the British attitude towards the colonies during the 'salutary neglect' period set the stage for the American Revolution?

The 'salutary neglect' period set the stage for the American Revolution as the British eventually decided to pay more attention and interfere in the colonies' affairs, which upset the colonists.

Why were colonists on average taller and more likely to live to adulthood compared to people in England?

Colonists were on average taller and more likely to live to adulthood due to better access to food and resources, and the availability of quality food in the colonies.

What was the literacy rate among males in the colonies by the 1750s?

The literacy rate among males in the colonies by the 1750s was about 85 percent.

How did the agricultural practices differ between the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies?

New England colonies were primarily dominated by subsistence farming, the Middle colonies had a mix of subsistence and commercial farming, while the Southern colonies had large plantations focused on commercial farming.

What industries began to develop in New England due to poor soil and the inability to do large-scale farming?

New England developed industries such as shipbuilding, fishing, and especially whaling, as they could not grow crops year-round and had poor, rocky soil.

What was the triangular trade system and how was it related to the growth of the colonies?

The triangular trade system involved sending raw materials from America to Europe for processing, then trading the finished products in Western Africa for enslaved Africans, who were forced to work on American plantations. This system contributed to the rapid growth of the colonies.

How did the colonists' push to move westward affect the development of the colonies?

The colonists' push to move westward led to the establishment of small farms and communities in the Piedmont region, which expanded the colonies' boundaries and contributed to their growth.

Outlines

00:00

🌱 Colonial Growth and Economic Prosperity

This paragraph discusses the rapid growth of English colonies in North America during the 1700s, highlighting the increase in population from approximately 250,000 in 1700 to about 2.5 million by the mid-1770s. The growth was fueled by abundant resources and agricultural production, especially in the southern colonies. The text also notes the high rate of land ownership among white males in the colonies, which fostered a sense of independence and self-governance. The concept of 'salutary neglect' is introduced, describing a period where England paid little attention to the colonies, allowing them considerable autonomy. This period laid the groundwork for the eventual American Revolution. The paragraph also touches on the physical and educational advantages of colonists over their English counterparts, with higher literacy rates and better access to quality food.

05:02

🛠️ Economic Diversification and Expansion

The second paragraph delves into the economic activities of the colonies, emphasizing the dominance of agriculture and the development of industries in New England. It outlines the differences in farming practices from subsistence farming in New England to commercial farming in the middle and southern colonies, with the latter focusing on cash crops like cotton, rice, sugar, tobacco, and indigo. The reliance on enslaved labor for the profitability of southern plantations is also mentioned. The paragraph further discusses the emergence of industries in New England due to less favorable conditions for large-scale farming, including shipbuilding, fishing, and whaling. The importance of trade to the colonies' growth is highlighted, particularly the triangular trade system involving raw materials from America, processed goods from Europe, and the exchange of these goods for enslaved Africans in Western Africa. Lastly, the paragraph touches on the westward expansion of colonists into the Piedmont region, marking the beginning of a push beyond the established 13 colonies.

Keywords

💡Colonies

The term 'colonies' in the context of the video refers to the territories established by England along the eastern seaboard of North America. These colonies began to flourish due to abundant resources and agricultural production. The growth of these colonies is central to the video's theme, illustrating the transformation from small settlements to a burgeoning population that would eventually seek independence.

💡Salutary Neglect

Salutary neglect is a historical term used to describe the period when England paid little attention to its American colonies, allowing them to govern themselves with minimal interference. This policy is highlighted in the video as a key factor that contributed to the colonies' sense of independence and self-governance, which would later become a point of contention leading up to the American Revolution.

💡Population Growth

The video emphasizes the rapid 'population growth' in the colonies, noting a 900 percent increase from 1700 to the mid-1770s. This growth is significant as it underscores the colonies' development from a small group of settlers to a large and diverse population, which would eventually play a role in their push for self-determination.

💡Religious Freedom

The concept of 'religious freedom' is mentioned as a driving factor for people flocking to the colonies. It reflects the video's narrative of the colonies as a haven for those seeking to escape religious persecution, contributing to the diverse and dynamic society that would form the basis of the American identity.

💡Economic Opportunity

The video discusses 'economic opportunity' as a magnet for people from various backgrounds to the colonies. This term is crucial in understanding the video's message about the colonies' appeal, as it attracted not only those seeking religious freedom but also those looking to improve their economic standing.

💡Land Ownership

The video points out that a significant percentage of white males in the colonies owned land, contrasting with the situation in England. 'Land ownership' is a key concept that illustrates the video's theme of independence and self-sufficiency among colonists, which fostered a spirit of autonomy and self-governance.

💡Triangular Trade

The 'triangular trade' system is described in the video as a significant economic activity involving the colonies, Europe, and Africa. This trade system is an important part of the video's narrative, as it shows the colonies' active role in international commerce, which would later influence their economic and political aspirations.

💡Enslaved People

The video mentions the labor of 'enslaved people' as a critical component of the southern colonies' plantation economy. This term is essential for understanding the video's discussion of the moral and economic complexities of the colonial period, as well as the long-term impact on American society.

💡Industries

The video notes the development of various 'industries' in the colonies, particularly in New England, such as shipbuilding, fishing, and whaling. These industries are highlighted to show the video's theme of economic diversification and the emergence of an industrial base in the northern colonies, which would later contribute to the economic and cultural divide between the North and the South.

💡Literacy Rate

The video discusses the high 'literacy rate' among colonists, particularly males, which was significantly higher than in England. This term is important for understanding the video's message about the colonies' educational advancement and the role of literacy in fostering ideas of self-government and independence.

💡Commercial Farming

The video describes 'commercial farming' in the southern colonies, where large plantations were involved in growing crops for profit. This concept is central to the video's discussion of the economic structure of the colonies, showing how different regions specialized in different types of agriculture and how this contributed to the overall growth and prosperity of the colonies.

Highlights

The English colonies in North America flourished due to abundant resources and agricultural production.

The southern colonies became a hub for religious freedom and better economic opportunities.

The population of the colonies saw a 900 percent increase from 1700 to the mid-1770s.

The population doubled every 25 years, reflecting rapid growth.

67 percent of white males owned land in the colonies by the time of the revolution.

In England, only 20 percent of white males owned land, highlighting the difference in opportunity.

Colonists' land ownership fostered a sense of independence and self-government.

The term 'salutary neglect' refers to England's lack of attention to the colonies from 1621 to 1750.

The colonies' growth set the stage for revolution as Britain began to interfere more.

Colonists were on average taller and had a higher likelihood of reaching adulthood compared to English citizens.

Access to food and resources contributed to the better health and literacy of colonists.

The literacy rate among males in the colonies was about 85 percent by the 1750s.

The colonies were economically dominated by farming, with different farming practices across regions.

New England colonies practiced subsistence farming, while the middle colonies had a mix of subsistence and commercial farming.

Southern colonies developed large plantations focused on commercial farming of cash crops.

The labor of enslaved people was crucial for the profitability of southern plantations.

New England developed industries such as shipbuilding, fishing, and whaling due to poor soil conditions.

The triangular trade system involved the colonies, Europe, and Africa, impacting the growth and economy.

Colonists began pushing westward, establishing new communities and contributing to the colonies' expansion.

Transcripts

today we're looking at the growth of the colonies

hello welcome to the daily bell ringer please  don't forget to subscribe and take a look at  

the questions down in the description after the  establishment of the english colonies in north  

america along the east coast the colonies began  to flourish due to an abundance of resources  

available and enormous agricultural production  in the south the english colonies became a place  

where people from all walks of life wanted  to flock to for religious freedom but also  

better economic opportunity the population of  the colonies absolutely exploded throughout the  

first half of the 1700s in 1700 the population  of the colonies was estimated to be around 250  

000 but by the mid 1770s at about the same same  time as the american revolution was about to begin  

the population was approximately 2.5 million that  is a 900 percent increase in population in barely  

50 years and in fact if you look at population  data the population doubled every 25 years  

coupled with this growth was the opportunity  to own property or land in the colonies  

it is estimated that 67 percent of white males own  land in the colonies by the time of the revolution  

compare that to england where there was not much  land available and only 20 of white males own  

land since so many colonists own land and did not  have to answer to or be accountable to a landlord  

there was a much greater sense of independence  and ideas of self-government in the colonies  

now this sense of independence brings me to a  very important term or concept to understand  

about this time period of growth in the colonies  historians have come to call this time from 1621  

approximately the time when the pilgrims arrive  to 1750 which was approximately the time when the  

french and indian war gets underway they call this  time period the time period of salutary neglect  

this term salutary neglect basically refers to  a time period in history in which england paid  

little attention to the american colonies and  allowed them to do as they wished with little  

interference as long as the colonies were making  money for britain they really didn't care what  

was going on in the colonies this time period very  much sets the stage for revolution as eventually  

the british decide they have to pay more attention  and interfere in the colonies business and of  

course that ends up making the colonists very  upset but beyond this sense of independence was  

the fact that the colonists were literally bigger  stronger and smarter than those back in europe  

colonists on average were two inches taller than  people back in england and also were twice as  

likely to live to adulthood after birth you might  be asking yourself why this is and it basically  

comes down to access to food and resources in the  colonies quality food was more readily available  

than back in england furthermore the puritans  began organizing public schools to ensure that  

everyone would be able to primarily be able to  read the bible and by the 1750s the literacy rate  

or percentage of people who could read and write  was about 85 percent among males compare that to  

barely 60 percent literacy rate back in england at  the same time economically the colonies were still  

dominated by farming from new england through  the southern colonies most people still worked  

in agriculture and this would be the case for many  years in american history the new england colonies  

were primarily dominated by subsistence farming  which is farming to grow just enough for you and  

your family and possibly a little bit to trade  as you move south into the middle colonies there  

was a mix of subsistence and commercial farming  which commercial farming was growing crops to sell  

for profit and in the middle colonies the primary  crops were wheat barley and oats and so the region  

becomes known as the bread basket in the southern  colonies where year-round agriculture was possible  

huge plantations developed that were heavily  involved in commercial farming growing cotton  

rice sugar tobacco and indigo but again these  plantations depended on the labor of enslaved  

people in order to make a profit since new england  could not grow crops year-round and had poor  

rocky soil and couldn't really do large-scale  farming they began to develop industries  

some of these industries included ship building  fishing and especially whaling whales were very  

valuable for their oil which was used to light  lamps it is important to note that it is during  

this time that you could argue two americas  begin to develop an industrial base north and an  

agriculturally based south of course this division  will heavily contribute to years later the civil  

war also contributing to this rapid growth in the  colonies was the fact that the colonists were very  

heavily involved in trade during this time they  developed the triangular trade system in which raw  

materials were loaded in america and then sent to  england or europe where they were processed into  

finished products such as rum cloth and guns these  items were then taken to western africa where  

they were traded for enslaved africans that were  forced to come to america and work on plantations  

along what was known as the middle passage  which i'll cover that in another bell ringer  

at the same time some colonists began to push  the boundary of the 13 colonies trying to move  

west as they began to establish small farms and  communities in the piedmont or the base of the  

appalachian mountains so with that hopefully  you learned something and thanks for watching

you