Colonial America

Colonial America Definition

The American colonies, also known as the thirteen colonies or colonial America, consisted of thirteen British colonies that were established during the 17^th and early 18^th centuries. This area was located in what is now a part of the Eastern coast of the United States. By the time of the American Revolution (1775-1781), the territory owned by the colonists had spread beyond the Appalachian Mountains, stretching from Maine in the north all the way to the Altamaha River in Georgia in the south!

In Britain, continental Europe and the colonies were viewed as a land of promise and great opportunity, which heavily encouraged immigration. The colonies happily welcomed Protestants, however, many were sent to America against their will, such as convicts, political prisoners, and enslaved Africans.

Fig. 2 Map of Colonial North America c. 1680

As we can see from the map above, the thirteen colonies consisted of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Colonial America Time Period

Lasting from 1492 to 1763, colonial America faced multiple religious and power struggles on its way to becoming an independent, “melting pot” nation. As multiple European nations made their way to the Americas to expand their wealth and influence across the globe, the Spanish were among the first to land and settle in the New World.

To make the development of colonial America clear, let’s take a look at a timeline!

Timeline

Fig 3 North American borders proposed by the Count of Aranda 1782

As we can see from the timeline above, colonial America faced disputes between the French, Spanish, Dutch, English, and Indigenous peoples regarding the control of territory. Religious diversity and the scares that came with them caused events such as the Salem Witch Trials. Further, the implementation of Triangular Trade, and the enslavement of African people caused many revolts and rebellions for freedom. Finally, the War of Independence (American Revolution) for the colonies led to freedom from unfair British control.

Importance of Colonial America

Colonial America was important to the British colonies due to its supply of cotton and tobacco. Upon bringing enslaved Africans into the south to work on plantations, America had a surplus of cotton and tobacco to sell back to the Old World for manufacturing. However, the majority of profitable products were coming from central and south America, not the north.

The colonies were also important to the European settlers as they felt this was a land where they could become religiously and politically free, breaking away from Old World systems and expectations.

Today, colonial America is important for understanding the development and foundations of the United States. For example, some of the most vital documents (such as the Declaration of Independence) were written during the colonial period. Upon breaking away from Britain, colonial Americans went on to set the stage for what we see today: an independent, “melting pot” nation. This period also established the locations of many small groups that still exist today, such as the Pennsylvania Germans (Amish and Mennonites), the Vermont Quakers, and more.

Fig. 4 Drafting of the Declaration of Independence

Colonial America Facts

• Despite the British being the last to settle in America, they swiftly gained control over French and Spanish settlements in North America.
• The colonies were divided into three sections: the New England Colonies, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern colonies.
• Many of the first settlers were indentured servants, as the passage to the New World was expensive and unattainable to many. By accepting a contract of indentured servitude, a settler could arrive in America with food, clothing, and housing but have to work for a certain number of years without pay.
• Food was incredibly scarce in the colonies, not only due to the harsh winters and lack of understanding of the environment but also because of religious beliefs. Many settlers viewed food as a necessity and not an indulgence, hence eating very little, bland foods.
• The first colonial settlement, Roanoke, was a complete disaster, as the entire population disappeared due to an attack, starvation, or all of the above. The only clue left about what had happened was the word “Croatoan” carved into a fencepost. On the other hand, the first successful colonial settlement was that of Jamestown, Virginia.

Fig. 5 Attack on the Confederate Batteries at Roanoke Island by the Federal gun-boats