Colonial America Differed From England

Colonial America differed from England because it offered greater opportunities, the degree to which one could take advantage of these opportunities depended upon gender, race, ethnicity, and religion. Discuss how these factors affected the ability of certain groups of people to enjoy the promise of Colonial America.

The economic opportunities were divided based upon racial and gender points-of-view. Under this kind of thinking, white males were given the greatest opportunities. While, other races (such as blacks) were seen as: slaves that are beneath the whites. At the same time, the Indians were thought of as savages that needed to be saved. The women were considered to be beneath the males in every society. As, they were expected to: quietly support the men and their families. (Boger 3 -- 15) (Murrin 67 -- 159)

What was the impact of British mercantilist policy on colonial economic development, policy-making, and on colonial society? Who made up the colonial elite? To what extent did they dominate the socio-economic and political policies in the colonies? Could slavery have become as pervasive as it did without mercantilism?

The impact of the British policy is that it created vast differences in society that were at first based upon racial distinctions. Then, as time went by these views were changed, with separations occurring in society based upon the personal net worth of an individual. In general, the colonial elite were considered to be white males. They dominated every aspect of society and politics by creating institutions / practices that supported these views. As a result, slavery would not have become pervasive without mercantilism. This is because, slavery allowed for countries to be able to maximize their trading advantages over partners. As, they could flood their markets with: a wide variety of goods, leading to an increase in the current account surplus and their capital reserves. (Boger 3 -- 15) (Murrin 67 -- 159)

Discuss the origins of colonial North American slavery. Compare and contrast eighteenth century slavery as it existed in the Chesapeake, in South Carolina and Georgia, and in the northern colonies. How did differences in regions, crop cultivation, and personal skill create opportunities for varied experiences among enslaved Africans? How did enslaved Africans use cultural retentions to preserve their humanity and to implement a distinct culture in America?