Early American Society

Definition

Early American Society refers to the social, cultural, and economic framework that developed in North America from the arrival of European settlers in the late 15th century until the American Revolution. This society was characterized by a mix of indigenous cultures and European traditions, shaping a unique way of life influenced by agriculture, trade, and evolving social hierarchies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Early American Society was shaped by the interactions between Native Americans and European settlers, leading to a blending of cultures, but also conflict and displacement.
2. The society was largely agrarian, with most people engaged in farming and reliant on the land for sustenance, particularly in New England and the Southern colonies.
3. Social hierarchies began to form based on wealth, land ownership, and occupation, with a distinct divide between wealthy planters, middle-class farmers, and indentured servants or enslaved people.
4. Religious beliefs played a crucial role in shaping early American culture, with various denominations like Puritans, Quakers, and Anglicans establishing communities that reflected their values.
5. Trade networks developed during this period, including transatlantic trade routes that connected Europe, Africa, and America, leading to significant economic growth and social change.

Review Questions

• How did the interactions between European settlers and Native Americans shape Early American Society?
  • The interactions between European settlers and Native Americans significantly impacted Early American Society by leading to both cultural exchanges and conflicts. Europeans introduced new agricultural practices and goods, while Native Americans shared their knowledge of local resources. However, these interactions often resulted in violence and the displacement of indigenous populations as settlers expanded their territories. This complex relationship contributed to the development of a distinct society that incorporated elements from both cultures.
• Evaluate the impact of religion on the social structure of Early American Society.
  • Religion played a vital role in shaping the social structure of Early American Society by influencing community values, norms, and governance. Groups like the Puritans established communities based on their religious beliefs, promoting a sense of unity but also intolerance towards those with differing views. Religious affiliations often dictated social status and community roles, leading to divisions within society based on belief systems. This impact on social cohesion and conflict laid the groundwork for future religious pluralism in America.
• Assess how mercantilism influenced economic development in Early American Society and its long-term consequences.
  • Mercantilism significantly influenced the economic development of Early American Society by encouraging colonial economies to focus on producing raw materials for export to Europe. This reliance on agriculture and resource extraction fostered economic relationships that prioritized British interests over local development. In the long term, this created economic disparities within colonial regions and contributed to growing discontent with British control. The desire for greater economic autonomy eventually fueled revolutionary sentiments as colonists sought independence from mercantilist policies.

Related terms

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring and maintaining colonies, where settlers establish control over indigenous peoples and lands.

Puritanism:

A religious reform movement that arose in the late 16th century in England, influencing early American culture and society through its emphasis on moral purity and community.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and colonial expansion, heavily influencing early American economic practices.