Understanding Foner

Chapter 4: Slavery, Freedom. And the Struggle for the Empire to 1763

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Mains Ideas

• AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE• THE PRESS• THE GREAT AWAKENING• SEVEN YEARS’ WAR

African Slave Trade

African Slave Trade• The importation of guns to Africa further encouraged growth of

slavery.• Powerful Western African kingdoms develop thanks to guns.• The loss of tens of thousands of African people weaken and

disrupt society.

• The ocean voyage between Africa and America became known as the Middle Passage, an extraordinary painful and inhumane experience. • About 1 in 5 Africans didn’t survive the voyage due to disease,

suicide, or murder. • 5% mainland America; 95% Brazil & West Indies.

• By 1770 Africans made up 1/5 of the roughly 2.3 million population.

The Press• In the 18th century, letters, pamphlets, and newspaper articles began to

heavily influence politics and social issues• These types of media expanded debate and made it public; informed

citizens openly discussed questions that had previously been only discussed by officials.

• Discourse clubs in major cities were created where citizens would come together to discuss economics and politics—e.g., Junto club, a “club for mutual improvement” created by Benjamin Franklin. • Bars would also act as places where everyday citizens would go for

debate and conversation.

• Increased literacy in the colonies only increased the demand for literature.• By 1776, 3/4 of the free colonial population could read and write. • 1740 13 colonial newspapers; 25 1765.

The Press• Newspaper were initially filled with advertisements, religious affairs, and

reports on British society and government.• By the mid 18th century they were dominated by political commentary

(colonial).

• The idea of “freedom of speech” only existed inside Parliament and was not a universal right.• Politicians would be allowed to say whatever they wanted without the fear

of punishment inside Parliament, but not outside.

• The idea of “freedom of the press” did not exist.• Both Britain and those in charge of the colonies feared regular citizens

would be too easily influenced by whatever they read. • Until 1695 all published works needed to be printed with a license from

the government. • This rule was weakened due to the increase of printed materials.• Publishers could still be prosecuted for “seditious libel”—defaming

government or public officials.

The Press• Colonial newspapers were defenders of freedom of the press

as central component of liberty.• Citizens had a right to monitor the workings of government

subject public officials to criticism.

The Great Awakening • Religious leaders became worried that economic success, and global

affairs, would lead to people becoming more lax about their faith.• Fear spread regarding specific issues:• Westward expansion.• Commercial development.• Growth of enlightenment and rationalism. • Declining interest in church service.

• In the 1730s local “get back to your faith” type movements sprung up locally; wanting church goers to renew a commitment to “religion of the heart,” a more personal an emotional form of Christianity.

• Anglican preacher John Whitfield proclaimed God was merciful, as opposed to predestined—i.e., people could save themselves by repenting of their sins.

The Seven Years’ War• By the 18th century, Britain was the most powerful and

economically sound empire in the world. • The British would accomplish this through several expensive

wars against the Spanish and French.

• As the success of their colonies increased, the need to rid the area of rival nations—France—also increased.

• War broke out in 1754 when the British attacked the French in western Pennsylvania.• Fighting was over:• Ownership of the Ohio Valley.• Lucrative fur trade.• Access to the Mississippi River.

The Seven Years’ War• There were several short and long-term

effects of the war:• Britain’s victory redraws the map.• Britain gains control of India and

Florida.• Spain gains control of the western

part of America, Cuba, and the Philippines.

• Britain raises taxes in order to help pay for the war (one cause for revolution).

• France goes into a state of domestic and financial unrest (one cause for revolution).

• Increased native-British hostility in the frontier.

• Creation of the Proclamation Line—no colonial settlement west of the Appalachian mountains.

Mains Ideas AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE• Triangular trade = $$$

THE PRESS• Press develops, increases public debate

THE GREAT AWAKENING• Religious revival to combat global issues and $$$

SEVEN YEARS’ WAR• Britain gains total control of eastern North America