The New World during the Age of Reason

1. North and South America in the 18th Century The New World during the Age of Reason

2. Europeans in Asia China: • Had similar levels of Military technology • Politically unified • Europeans posed no threat to them at this time • Europeans operated and traded only with Chinese permission • Christian missionaries were tolerated for a time India: • Politically divided • Europeans got involved in the conflicts in the region • European influence in the area grew slowly • Although Europeans did not directly control India, they were a powerful political and military presence • They were able to set up military bases throughout the region and eventually came to dominate trade and commerce

3. South America • South America was mostly colonized by the Spanish and Portuguese • Thousands of Slaves were imported to South America (Brazil was the single largest importer of slaves) and plantations and mines were set up across the continent • Since Spain still had relations with the Catholic Church, Jesuit missionaries came to South America to spread the Catholic Faith

4. The Jesuit Missions • The Jesuits set up hundred of Missions (or Reductions) and educated and converted many Native South Americans • The Jesuits also believed slavery was morally wrong and an affront to God • The Jesuits protected Natives from slave hunters (mostly Portuguese) • However, in a deal made between Spain and Portugal, Brazil was awarded to Portugal • When this happened, the Spanish protection of the Missions in Brazil ended and Portuguese slave hunter ravaged the countryside • The Missions were destroyed and the Jesuits were forcibly removed – some were murdered

5. North America • North American Natives faced a massive influx of French and British colonists • These colonies soon expanded in every direction and more and more Native groups were displaced by Europeans • However, through cunning and intelligence, most native tribes were able to survive and thrive during these early years • They soon understood that the French and English were bitter rivals and were able to play the two sides against each other

6. Attitudes of Natives towards Europeans • Many native tribes saw the benefit of trade with the Europeans – they had Guns, Horses etc • Some Natives admired the Europeans strength and technology – attempts were often made to copy European practices The Gunstock War Club

7. The French and Indian Wars • The North American component of the Seven Years War between France and Britain • Started because English Colonies expended into territory claimed by the French • A brutal Conflict with many Native tribes caught in the middle • Most Natives decided to side with the French • The French were mostly Hunters and Trappers and had good relations with the Natives, the English were farmers and merchants and were more of an imposition • The decisive battle was the Battle for Quebec – AKA the Plains of Abraham • The British won and came to dominate the continent • This war had a major impact on the creation of both USA and Canada • However, this war put Natives in a bad position – they could no longer play the middle ground • Nothing was stopping the English from expanding deeper and deeper into North America • BUT . . After years of war, the British wanted peace with the Natives – however, the colonists wanted reward for their victory – they demanded permission to take more and more from the surrounding areas • This was the beginning of problems between the 13 colonies and Britain . . . Problems that eventually lead to the American revolution

10. Summary • The Portuguese domination of Brazil leads to the destruction of many native groups • The seven years war is fought for control of North America • The British win. . . This has a major impact on the natives (very negative) and the formation of both Canada and the USA.