Colonial Attitudes

Definition

Colonial attitudes refer to the perspectives and beliefs held by European settlers and colonists in North America regarding their identity, governance, and interactions with Indigenous peoples. These attitudes were shaped by social, economic, and political factors that influenced how colonists viewed their rights, responsibilities, and relationships within the colonies and with the British crown.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Colonial attitudes often included a sense of superiority over Indigenous peoples, viewing them as obstacles to progress and civilization.
2. The belief in self-governance began to take root among colonists, leading to demands for more local control and less interference from Britain.
3. Religious dissenters in the colonies often fostered a culture of questioning authority, contributing to a growing sense of individual rights.
4. Economic motivations played a crucial role in shaping colonial attitudes, as settlers sought wealth through land ownership and trade opportunities.
5. Colonial attitudes evolved over time, especially during events like the French and Indian War, which heightened tensions between colonists and the British government.

Review Questions

• How did colonial attitudes toward Indigenous peoples reflect the broader beliefs held by European settlers?
  • Colonial attitudes towards Indigenous peoples were largely shaped by a belief in European superiority and a view that Indigenous cultures were primitive. This perspective justified land seizure and expansion by portraying Indigenous peoples as obstacles to civilization. Many settlers believed they had a divine right or destiny to settle the land, leading to conflict and significant cultural disruption for Indigenous communities.
• Analyze how mercantilism influenced colonial attitudes regarding trade and governance.
  • Mercantilism significantly influenced colonial attitudes by instilling the belief that economic prosperity was tied to strict trade regulations imposed by Britain. Colonists felt compelled to support these regulations as they were told it was for their own benefit. However, this led to resentment as colonists began to view themselves as economically self-sufficient, questioning why they should be restricted by British laws that seemed more beneficial to the crown than to themselves.
• Evaluate the impact of Enlightenment ideas on colonial attitudes toward governance and individual rights.
  • Enlightenment ideas had a profound impact on colonial attitudes, encouraging colonists to challenge traditional authority and advocate for individual rights. Thinkers like John Locke promoted concepts such as natural rights and the social contract, which inspired colonists to seek greater representation and self-governance. This shift in thinking laid the groundwork for revolutionary sentiments as colonists began to demand political changes that reflected their new understanding of liberty and equality.

Related terms

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing international trade to increase national wealth, which heavily influenced colonial policies.

Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, affecting colonial perspectives on governance.

Indentured Servitude:

A labor system where individuals worked for a fixed number of years in exchange for passage to America, shaping social hierarchies and colonial labor dynamics.