What are the four social classes in colonial America?
- Upper Class
- Middle Class
- Lower Class
- Slaves
Each class had distinct characteristics and roles within colonial society.
Describe the Upper Class in colonial America.
Generally included merchants, traders, and some clergy with large land, plantations, and luxuries
The Upper Class held significant wealth and influence in society.
Describe the Middle Class in colonial America.
Included individuals who were neither wealthy nor poor
The Middle Class played a vital role in the economy and society.
What was a slave’s work schedule like?
Worked up to 16 hours a day and did not earn money for work
Slaves were not free and could not move up the social class.
Were the colonists concerned about a strict social structure?
Yes
They were concerned about the kidnapping of Africans and questioned slavery, leading to antislavery movements.
What type of servant came from Europe with their whole family hoping to find a friend or relative to pay for their passage?
Indentured servants
Indentured servants worked for a set number of years in exchange for passage to America.
Who was the head of the household in colonial America?
The Father
The father held authority and responsibility within the family structure.
What were some activities that happened in the home during colonial times?
- Children helped with the house
- Children were educated at home
- Spent days working on the farm
- Cooking
These activities reflect the daily responsibilities and roles within colonial families.
Describe the role of women in the family and business during colonial times.
- Educated the kids
- Cooked
- Cleaned the farm
- Took care of the animals
- Supervised children
- Helped other women
Women’s roles were multifaceted, encompassing both domestic and community responsibilities.
How were slave families different from colonial families?
- Often married but could be torn apart
- Struggled to survive in America
- Little resemblance to free families
- Depended on their owners
Slave families faced unique challenges and lacked the autonomy of free families.
What rights did women have in colonial America?
- Legal rights to help other women
- Worked together with one another
- Did not have the same rights as men
Women’s rights were limited compared to men’s rights during this period.
What were the educational options for colonials?
- Educate at home
- Go to a grammar school
- Go to a dame school
These options provided varying levels of education depending on location and resources.
Where did colonial children learn Latin and Greek?
A grammar school
Grammar schools were essential for advanced studies in classical languages.
Describe education in the New England colonies.
- Used hornbooks
- Used the New England Primer
- Only eleven grammar schools existed in 1647
The New England Primer was a key educational resource during this period.
Describe education in the Southern colonies.
- Had fewer schools than New England
- School was scheduled around long growing seasons
The agricultural lifestyle influenced the educational structure in the Southern colonies.
Who created the Blue-Backed Speller?
Noah Wester
The Blue-Backed Speller was a widely used educational book in colonial America.
How was education different for the wealthy?
- Could hire a private tutor
Wealthy families had access to more personalized education compared to others.
What book did colonial children use to learn the alphabet?
The New England Primer
This book was fundamental in teaching reading and writing in colonial America.
Under what system did young men learn a trade?
The Apprenticeship System
This system allowed young men to gain practical skills under the guidance of a master craftsman.
What was the first institution of higher learning in the colonies?
- Colleges like Yale
- Founded in 1636
- Harvard
- Founded in 1701
These institutions were pivotal in the development of higher education in America.
Which movement of the 1700s emphasized rational thinking and critical reasoning?
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was a significant intellectual movement that influenced various aspects of society.
Define and describe Deism.
The Enlightenment influence but flawed philosophy
Deism is a philosophical belief in a creator who does not intervene in the universe.
Who is in charge of Anglicans?
The bishop of London
The Anglican Church is led by bishops, with the bishop of London being a prominent figure.
Be able to describe Dunkers.
- A German group
- Name derived from their method of baptism
Dunkers are known for their distinctive baptism practices.
