Creating an American Identity

1. Creating an American Identity Influences on the Development of government and culture in the English colonies

2. Magna Carta 1215 • Limits power of the monarch • “rule of law” • Nobles would be consented before taxation • Nobles would be guaranteed due process • Important in that the rights would eventually be extended to all, in the hundreds of years to follow

3. Parliament develops • Council of noble advisors would grow into parliament • Bicameral body would develop • a. upper chamber-House of Lords b. lower chamber-House of Commons • Would become more democratic and representative through the years

4. Development of self-rule in colonies • Remember the importance of time and distance from King and Parliament in London • Local problems depended on local government (self-rule) • New England-established republics with elected governors • Other colonies the governor may have been appointed by the king or the proprietors • Governors had to share power with legislative assemblies (think VA House of Burgesses) • Colonists saw themselves as Englishmen and felt they were covered by English Common Law—emphasis on individual liberties

5. Steps in timeline • English Civil War (1642-1651) three periods of fighting; power of Parliament (House of Commons) versus the Monarchy (Charles I) • Protectorate (1653-1658) Cromwell establishes a military dictatorship • Restoration (1660) Charles II is restored to the throne • Glorious Revolution—(1689) William and Mary ascend to throne and agree to cooperate with Parliament, adhere to Church of England and sign English Bill of Rights • What is going on in the colonies?

6. English Bill of Rights • Would put in writing the concept of a limited-constitutional monarchy • Monarchs could not tax nor keep a standing army in times of peace without the consent of Parliament • Would also outline several important individual rights (a couple here) • A. habeas corpus (cannot be held in jail without a charge) • B. no excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment • C. Right to petition the king (government)

7. Salutary Neglect • Because of time/distance the British will adopt a policy of allowing the colonists self-rule in return for continuing to supply the mother country with raw materials, resources and cash crops • Colonies were also expected to do their share in defending the empire • The colonies were indeed the proverbial goose who laid the golden egg • Average colonist had more economic opportunity, religious toleration and voice in local government than did their counterparts back in England

8. Freedom of the Press • 1734 Newspaper publisher John Peter Zenger was imprisoned for printing articles criticizing the governor of New York • Acquitted after lawyer was able to argue against the libel charges

9. Enlightenment (Age of Reason) • Philosophical movement which came of the heels of the Scientific Revolution of the 1500’s • Philosophes-enlightened thinkers would take the rational approach of the scientists and apply it to society, religion and government • Apply the Natural Laws to manmade institutions • Challenge the authority of the monarchs and Church • Would have a profound effect on the early colonial leaders

10. John Locke • Espoused the natural rights of man (life, liberty and property) • Focused on self-realization through reason and experience • Philosophical inspiration for American colonial leaders in the late 1700’s • His influence permeates the Declaration of Independence and to some degree the Constitution

11. Great Awakening mid -1700’s • A reaction against the rationality of the Enlightenment • Religious movement that swept through the colonies spurred on by evangelical preachers traveling from town to town • Revivals, open air meetings would attract hundreds • Focus was on a personal experience with God and that individuals were responsible for their salvation

12. Jonathan Edwards • From Massachusetts he was among the most prominent of the preachers • Famous sermon was “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” • “fire and brimstone” • Sermons would inspire George Whitefield who would become England’s most celebrated preacher

13. George Whitefield • 1739 he would come to the colonies for a two year tour—would attract large crowds • Would make 7 separate trips to colonies (spent time in Savannah) • Emotional style of worship • would help to create the revivalist form of preaching • Friends with John Wesley • Phillis Wheatley wrote a poetic tribute upon his death

14. Impact of Great Awakening on the Colonies • Provided inspiration to individuals about their self-worth and value • Challenged the authority of established churches • Creation of new churches and the involvement of very ordinary people in the ministry • Salvation open to all will spread democratic ideals of equality and democracy; everyone is spiritually equal and has the right to interpret the Scripture • Some would spread the faith to slaves (Phillis Wheatley)

15. Phillis Wheatley