Colonial Times
First Colonies
Introduction: Did you know that the settlement of the first three British colonies
in North America eventually caused the creation of the United States? Well, it
did. In this chapter, you will learn about their rich and interesting history. You
can learn about Roanoke, the lost colony. How did it start in the first place?
Jamestown was the second colony, and also the first successful one. What
factors lead to its success? Plymouth was the third colony, and the one that
started the New England region. Why did the Pilgrims leave England? Find it all
out in this chapter.
in North America eventually caused the creation of the United States? Well, it
did. In this chapter, you will learn about their rich and interesting history. You
can learn about Roanoke, the lost colony. How did it start in the first place?
Jamestown was the second colony, and also the first successful one. What
factors lead to its success? Plymouth was the third colony, and the one that
started the New England region. Why did the Pilgrims leave England? Find it all
out in this chapter.
Roanoke: Roanoke was the first British Colony that was built in the
modern day USA. Roanoke was built in present day Virginia, on an island
that bordered the Atlantic Ocean. Roanoke was settled by a group of men
from England, who crossed the Atlantic Ocean looking for a better life.
They crossed a barrier, becoming some of the first Europeans to set foot
on the New World. They set sail on a ship and arrived at the site, very far
from their home. There they built their colony, hoping to find the better life
they had so wished for.
modern day USA. Roanoke was built in present day Virginia, on an island
that bordered the Atlantic Ocean. Roanoke was settled by a group of men
from England, who crossed the Atlantic Ocean looking for a better life.
They crossed a barrier, becoming some of the first Europeans to set foot
on the New World. They set sail on a ship and arrived at the site, very far
from their home. There they built their colony, hoping to find the better life
they had so wished for.
However, in the end the colony was not a success due to a number of
factors. Native Americans decided not to help the colony survive. They
probably thought it was best to be able to keep the land they had lived on
for so long. The Native Americans knew how to find food and water in the
region where Roanoke was. The European colonists, however, didn’t.
Many of them died of starvation over the first winter. The colonists were
fed up with their supply situation.
factors. Native Americans decided not to help the colony survive. They
probably thought it was best to be able to keep the land they had lived on
for so long. The Native Americans knew how to find food and water in the
region where Roanoke was. The European colonists, however, didn’t.
Many of them died of starvation over the first winter. The colonists were
fed up with their supply situation.
One colonist decided to take the ship back to England for supplies. He
safely reached England, but he could not return with the supplies
because of a war between Spain and England. When he finally returned,
the colony was gone, with only the word Croatoan scratched on a guard
post. Researchers have many theories that explain what happened to
Roanoke. Maybe they died of starvation but before, they descended into
anarchy. They also could have reestablished the colony on Croatoan
island. Or, they could have joined the Native Americans for food and
water. Anyway, the fate of Roanoke remains a mystery, and we are left
with the notion that it was not a success.
safely reached England, but he could not return with the supplies
because of a war between Spain and England. When he finally returned,
the colony was gone, with only the word Croatoan scratched on a guard
post. Researchers have many theories that explain what happened to
Roanoke. Maybe they died of starvation but before, they descended into
anarchy. They also could have reestablished the colony on Croatoan
island. Or, they could have joined the Native Americans for food and
water. Anyway, the fate of Roanoke remains a mystery, and we are left
with the notion that it was not a success.
Jamestown: Jamestown was the second British colony in the New World.
It was also built in present day Virginia. Jamestown was built on the
James River, which led out into the Atlantic Ocean. It was settled by
people from England who came to make money. Like Roanoke, the
settlers crossed the Atlantic on a ship and arrived in Virginia.
It was also built in present day Virginia. Jamestown was built on the
James River, which led out into the Atlantic Ocean. It was settled by
people from England who came to make money. Like Roanoke, the
settlers crossed the Atlantic on a ship and arrived in Virginia.
As with any colony, more than half of Jamestown’s settlers died in the first
winter. Then, however, the Native American kidnapped and nearly executed
Captain John Smith. Pocahontas, another member of the tribe, decided to save
Captain Smith. She regularly visited the colony after that and taught the settlers
how to grow and harvest food. Because of this, the colonists manage to mostly
survive the next winter.
winter. Then, however, the Native American kidnapped and nearly executed
Captain John Smith. Pocahontas, another member of the tribe, decided to save
Captain Smith. She regularly visited the colony after that and taught the settlers
how to grow and harvest food. Because of this, the colonists manage to mostly
survive the next winter.
The colony of Jamestown was doing very well. The colonists could not starve
anymore, and the colony was making money from John Rolfe’s discovery of
tobacco. Pocahontas visited England, but got sick and died on the way home.
Soon after, there was a change in leadership in the Native American tribe. The
new chief decided to attack Jamestown. Ultimately, the colony survived and
became the first successful colony in the New World.
anymore, and the colony was making money from John Rolfe’s discovery of
tobacco. Pocahontas visited England, but got sick and died on the way home.
Soon after, there was a change in leadership in the Native American tribe. The
new chief decided to attack Jamestown. Ultimately, the colony survived and
became the first successful colony in the New World.
Plymouth: Plymouth was the third British colony in the New World. It was
located in the present day state of Massachusetts. It was settled by people from
England that wanted to escape religious persecution and gain their own
religious freedom in the New World. They all set sail on a ship known as the
Mayflower, crossed the tip of Cape Cod, and landed in the future site of
Plymouth. These colonists were known as pilgrims,
located in the present day state of Massachusetts. It was settled by people from
England that wanted to escape religious persecution and gain their own
religious freedom in the New World. They all set sail on a ship known as the
Mayflower, crossed the tip of Cape Cod, and landed in the future site of
Plymouth. These colonists were known as pilgrims,
In what is a near constant in the history of New World colonies, about half of
the colonists died in the first winter. Shortly after, they met a Native American
named Squanto. Squanto went to England to learn English for a year and then
taught the colonists how to grow crops and fish. With Squanto’s assistance,
most of the colonists managed to survive.
the colonists died in the first winter. Shortly after, they met a Native American
named Squanto. Squanto went to England to learn English for a year and then
taught the colonists how to grow crops and fish. With Squanto’s assistance,
most of the colonists managed to survive.
The colonists soon met the rest of the Wampanoag tribe in 1621. Both parties
signed a peace treaty and promised to defend each other. Later, in the fall of
the same year, the colonists decided to celebrate their bountiful harvest. They
invited their friends, the Wampanoag tribe, to come celebrate with them. The
colonists cooked a large feast that lasted for a long six days. The colony
endured and survived long after that, and the region of New England was born.
signed a peace treaty and promised to defend each other. Later, in the fall of
the same year, the colonists decided to celebrate their bountiful harvest. They
invited their friends, the Wampanoag tribe, to come celebrate with them. The
colonists cooked a large feast that lasted for a long six days. The colony
endured and survived long after that, and the region of New England was born.
Conclusion: Roanoke, Jamestown, and Plymouth were all important
colonies. They all were crucial to the colonization of the New World. The
residents of the colonies preserved through harsh winters, Native
American attacks (Jamestown), and supply shortages. Their
perseverance led to the creation of our country. We should all
acknowledge their hardships in our easier lives today.
colonies. They all were crucial to the colonization of the New World. The
residents of the colonies preserved through harsh winters, Native
American attacks (Jamestown), and supply shortages. Their
perseverance led to the creation of our country. We should all
acknowledge their hardships in our easier lives today.
Education
Introduction: Did you know that teachers were allowed to use physical
punishments on students in colonial times? Ouch! Education in colonial
times was radically different from the education we receive today. Back in
colonial times, Schoolhouses replaced schools and were so much smaller.
The Education System radically favored boys over girls. Finally, teachers had
permission to use brutal Punishments on misbehaving students. Learn all
about it in this chapter.Schoolhouses: In colonial times, students learned in
small stone cottages called schoolhouses. Schoolhouses were the
equivalent of today’s elementary schools. They were not nearly as large as
the schools we have today, as they only took up one room. Schoolhouses
were often dark and cold, and students’ money often kept the schoolhouse
lit. The manager of a schoolhouse was called a schoolmaster. He was paid
in food such as corn. In return, the schoolmaster taught the fifty or so
punishments on students in colonial times? Ouch! Education in colonial
times was radically different from the education we receive today. Back in
colonial times, Schoolhouses replaced schools and were so much smaller.
The Education System radically favored boys over girls. Finally, teachers had
permission to use brutal Punishments on misbehaving students. Learn all
about it in this chapter.Schoolhouses: In colonial times, students learned in
small stone cottages called schoolhouses. Schoolhouses were the
equivalent of today’s elementary schools. They were not nearly as large as
the schools we have today, as they only took up one room. Schoolhouses
were often dark and cold, and students’ money often kept the schoolhouse
lit. The manager of a schoolhouse was called a schoolmaster. He was paid
in food such as corn. In return, the schoolmaster taught the fifty or so
students spelling, reading, writing, and arithmetic (Math). In the public
schools, religion was often used as an example for literary arts and was
also taught separately. Many researchers believe that the students were
only boys.
schools, religion was often used as an example for literary arts and was
also taught separately. Many researchers believe that the students were
only boys.
Education System: Most of the kids in colonial times were taught by an
education system. First, kids were taught skills by their parents such as
farming and cooking. Then, some kids were sent to dame school. In
dame school, kids went to a teacher’s house. They would teach the kids
reading and writing for a fee. Next came elementary school. The kids
were taught the topics mentioned in the previous section. Middle school
was not a thing back then, so kids went straight to high school if their
parents wanted them too. High school was known as Grammar School.
Mostly boys went to this school, because boys and girls were not given
equal education. Some kids skipped grammar school and took an
apprenticeship from a craftsman. Finally, rich parents sent their kids to
colleges such as Harvard.
Punishments: Many cruel and unusual punishments were used by
schoolmasters and teachers in Colonial Times, as it was custom at the
time. Punishments could even have been physical. A common
punishment at the time was the whip. A birch branch was often kept by
schoolmasters to punish unruly schoolboys. People who were dumb were
called dunces and had to sit on a dunce stool and wear a pointy cap.
They may have to wear leather eyeglass frames. Whispering to a friend
was punished by putting wooden whispering sticks in their mouth. Not
paying attention was punished by a sign saying Idle Boy. Biting nails was
also punished by wearing a sign. The sign said Bitefinger Baby. One of
the most cruel punishments used, however, is the nose branch. A boy
would have to get a branch from a tree. The schoolmaster would cut a slit
in the tree and put the branch on their nose for more than an hour.
education included skipping middle school. Boys learned more than girls.
The punishments were more suited for today’s jails. The processes
radically differed from what we are used to today. Everyone learned,
however, just like today.
Professions
Introduction: Did you know that most jobs in colonial times were
manufacturing jobs? Well, most of them really were. Types of Jobs
included educated, tradesman, and resource transporters. Workers were
ranked by Worker Levels such as master craftsman, journeyman, and
apprentice. Slavery was a barbaric practice that forced people to work for
free. Learn all about it in this chapter.
manufacturing jobs? Well, most of them really were. Types of Jobs
included educated, tradesman, and resource transporters. Workers were
ranked by Worker Levels such as master craftsman, journeyman, and
apprentice. Slavery was a barbaric practice that forced people to work for
free. Learn all about it in this chapter.
Types of Jobs: There were three classes of professions in Colonial Times. The
first type of job was Educated. People who were educated in a college or high
school could get high-paying jobs such as Plantation Owner, Minister, and
Lawyer. The second type of job was Tradesman. Tradesmen were people who
specialized in a certain craft. Many people worked in a trade shop. Jobs of this
type include shoemakers, tanners, metal workers, coopers, blacksmiths,
cobblers, hatters, pewterers, silversmiths, cabinetmakers, clockmakers, millers,
wheelwrights, barbers, tailors, and whitesmiths. A final layer of workers was
Resource Transporters. People who were strong could get low pay for carrying
crates and other resources from one place, such as a shop, to another place,
such as a boat. These workers got very little pay.
first type of job was Educated. People who were educated in a college or high
school could get high-paying jobs such as Plantation Owner, Minister, and
Lawyer. The second type of job was Tradesman. Tradesmen were people who
specialized in a certain craft. Many people worked in a trade shop. Jobs of this
type include shoemakers, tanners, metal workers, coopers, blacksmiths,
cobblers, hatters, pewterers, silversmiths, cabinetmakers, clockmakers, millers,
wheelwrights, barbers, tailors, and whitesmiths. A final layer of workers was
Resource Transporters. People who were strong could get low pay for carrying
crates and other resources from one place, such as a shop, to another place,
such as a boat. These workers got very little pay.
Worker Levels: In trade shops, tradesmen were divided by worker levels. The first layer of tradesmen, and the least common layer, was Master Craftsman. A
Master Craftsman is skilled in a specific craft. They own a trade shop and
employ people to help make the product. The second layer of tradesmen was
Journeymen. They were also skilled workers like master craftsmen, but did not
own a trade shop and instead worked at another person’s shop. The final layer
was Apprentice. Apprentices were young people who wished to learn a craft.
They lived at the workplace and also ate there. They did simple tasks that aided
a craft.
Slavery: But, there is a very dark side to colonial times. A hidden layer of
workers, who were not payed and were forced to work, were slaves. Back in
colonial times, slavery was a common and legal practice. Slaves were shipped
from Africa and were sold to owners. Back then, people did not respect racial
equality. They were considered property and could be beaten and killed. They
formed the backbone of the workforce, and did simple jobs for their owners.
Most researchers agree this was a barbaric practice and has since been
stopped in America by the Civil War.
workers, who were not payed and were forced to work, were slaves. Back in
colonial times, slavery was a common and legal practice. Slaves were shipped
from Africa and were sold to owners. Back then, people did not respect racial
equality. They were considered property and could be beaten and killed. They
formed the backbone of the workforce, and did simple jobs for their owners.
Most researchers agree this was a barbaric practice and has since been
stopped in America by the Civil War.
Conclusion: The professions of colonial times were much more physical.
Knowledgeable professions were few in number. Most jobs involved strength
and craftsmanship. Slavery still ran rampant. The people of colonial times had
careers such as craftsman, resource transporter, and preacher. People today
can also be engineers, app developers, scientists, and more.
Knowledgeable professions were few in number. Most jobs involved strength
and craftsmanship. Slavery still ran rampant. The people of colonial times had
careers such as craftsman, resource transporter, and preacher. People today
can also be engineers, app developers, scientists, and more.
Religion
Introduction: Did you know that most public schools taught religion in colonial
times? It seems wrong now, but it was a common practice back then. Every
Sunday, people would head out to Church and attend for two hours. On
Sundays, no one could even work! You can learn all about religion in this
chapter.
times? It seems wrong now, but it was a common practice back then. Every
Sunday, people would head out to Church and attend for two hours. On
Sundays, no one could even work! You can learn all about religion in this
chapter.
Church: Going to church was an important part of people's lives in Colonial
Times. The church was located in the center of town, and everyone went there
on Sunday. The church was also used as a meetinghouse and a courtroom.
This signifies how important the church was to the townspeople. The Sunday
service lasted two hours. Men, Women, and Kids all had to go to church. A
person was hired to ensure that people would behave in Church. Men and
Women were given a light tap on the head, and Kids were spanked. The
person’s job was to make sure everyone was paying attention. They also made
sure that people did not talk, smile, or giggle. Besides the two hour service,
people stayed near the church and ate in an adjacent building.
Times. The church was located in the center of town, and everyone went there
on Sunday. The church was also used as a meetinghouse and a courtroom.
This signifies how important the church was to the townspeople. The Sunday
service lasted two hours. Men, Women, and Kids all had to go to church. A
person was hired to ensure that people would behave in Church. Men and
Women were given a light tap on the head, and Kids were spanked. The
person’s job was to make sure everyone was paying attention. They also made
sure that people did not talk, smile, or giggle. Besides the two hour service,
people stayed near the church and ate in an adjacent building.
Sunday: Sunday was a unique day in colonists’ lives. They went to church for
the service and stayed there for food. During Sunday, people thought about
God. They used the day to respect him. They also did not work. The definition
of work on Sunday was broad. Kids didn’t make their beds or move things.
Adults didn’t go to their job. But it wasn’t just a day to relax. Many researchers
believe that Sunday was one of the most important days for colonists because
they did not have to work.
Conclusion: Religion was a very important part of colonial society. Church was
located in the center of town, and everyone went there. On Sunday, people
didn’t work and instead thought about God. Religion shaped educations and
customs. These days, there are multiple religions, the rules are laxer, and there
are even non-religions!
located in the center of town, and everyone went there. On Sunday, people
didn’t work and instead thought about God. Religion shaped educations and
customs. These days, there are multiple religions, the rules are laxer, and there
are even non-religions!
Salem Witch Trials
Introduction: Salem, Massachusetts is a town with a dark history. In the 18th
century, the Salem Witch Trials took place. In the Beginnings of the Trial, local
girls started acting strangely and blamed witchcraft for their misfortunes. The
Accused included people such as Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborne.
They were accused and confessed to being witches, even if they weren’t.
Finally, brutal tortures and Punishments aimed to get the accused to confess or
execute them. Learn all about it in this chapter!
century, the Salem Witch Trials took place. In the Beginnings of the Trial, local
girls started acting strangely and blamed witchcraft for their misfortunes. The
Accused included people such as Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborne.
They were accused and confessed to being witches, even if they weren’t.
Finally, brutal tortures and Punishments aimed to get the accused to confess or
execute them. Learn all about it in this chapter!
Beginnings of the Trial: The Salem Witch Trials started when local girls started
acting very strangely. Their names were Betty Paris and Abigail Williams. They
soon spread the strange behavior to other girls, and people all over the town of
Salem wondered what caused their peculiar actions. People started to suspect
that it was a witch. The townspeople tried strange methods like feeding a Witch
Cake to a dog to see if they felt pain and tried to come out. Finally, the girls
named potential witches.
acting very strangely. Their names were Betty Paris and Abigail Williams. They
soon spread the strange behavior to other girls, and people all over the town of
Salem wondered what caused their peculiar actions. People started to suspect
that it was a witch. The townspeople tried strange methods like feeding a Witch
Cake to a dog to see if they felt pain and tried to come out. Finally, the girls
named potential witches.
Accused: The first witches named were Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah
Osborne. They were interrogated and put on trial. Tituba eventually confessed
because she was under immense stress. She said that she was a witch and
had caused the girls to act strangely. She also named other potential witches to
avoid getting executed. Many historians and researchers agree that this event
caused mass hysteria in Salem that lead to over 50 people being accused of
being witches. Many more women and men started to be accused as the girls
realized that they could use the charge of being a witch to get rid of people they
didn’t like. The girls started faking more peculiar behavior. Soon, almost everyone
in town was accused of being a witch. The town soon realized they would need a
large court to convict people who could be witches. Several people, who had
been checked for witchcraft before being chosen, were selected for a tribunal
board. They were immune to accusations. The board soon started handling all
witch-related cases. Punishments: There were many brutal punishments used on
potential witches to either get them to confess or kill them. The first punishment,
used for everyone accused, was a placement in jail. The jails were damp, cold,
and infested with creatures like rats. Researchers debate about additional
punishments used. Some believe that torture was used to get confessions and
names out of potential witches. They used methods such as the ducking stool,
where potential witches are put underwater for an extended period of time,
putting weight on their ribcage, stretching, burning, and stabbing to obtain
confessions, even if they are fake.
Osborne. They were interrogated and put on trial. Tituba eventually confessed
because she was under immense stress. She said that she was a witch and
had caused the girls to act strangely. She also named other potential witches to
avoid getting executed. Many historians and researchers agree that this event
caused mass hysteria in Salem that lead to over 50 people being accused of
being witches. Many more women and men started to be accused as the girls
realized that they could use the charge of being a witch to get rid of people they
didn’t like. The girls started faking more peculiar behavior. Soon, almost everyone
in town was accused of being a witch. The town soon realized they would need a
large court to convict people who could be witches. Several people, who had
been checked for witchcraft before being chosen, were selected for a tribunal
board. They were immune to accusations. The board soon started handling all
witch-related cases. Punishments: There were many brutal punishments used on
potential witches to either get them to confess or kill them. The first punishment,
used for everyone accused, was a placement in jail. The jails were damp, cold,
and infested with creatures like rats. Researchers debate about additional
punishments used. Some believe that torture was used to get confessions and
names out of potential witches. They used methods such as the ducking stool,
where potential witches are put underwater for an extended period of time,
putting weight on their ribcage, stretching, burning, and stabbing to obtain
confessions, even if they are fake.
Conclusion: The Salem Witch Trials are perfect examples of humanity’s brutality.
When local girls acted strangely, they blamed witchcraft for their misfortunes.
Innocent people, many of which were considered undesirable, were accused of
being witches. They were tortured until they confessed, and then convicted and
executed. There was no proof of witchcraft, yet more than 20 innocent people
were executed. Of course, events like these are considered inhumane today. But
the Salem Witch Trials show just how gullible and brutal we can be.
When local girls acted strangely, they blamed witchcraft for their misfortunes.
Innocent people, many of which were considered undesirable, were accused of
being witches. They were tortured until they confessed, and then convicted and
executed. There was no proof of witchcraft, yet more than 20 innocent people
were executed. Of course, events like these are considered inhumane today. But
the Salem Witch Trials show just how gullible and brutal we can be.
Glossary
Colonial Times- The time period in which the New World was colonized. Before
American Revolution in a timeline.
American Revolution in a timeline.
Colony- A territory owned by a country that has been newly discovered and
colonized.
colonized.
Anarchy: A state in which the government is powerless.
Wampanoag Tribe: A Native American tribe located near Plymouth, MA. The tribe
included the famous Squanto, who helped the Plymouth Colony survive. The tribe
attended the first Thanksgiving.
included the famous Squanto, who helped the Plymouth Colony survive. The tribe
attended the first Thanksgiving.
Grammar School: The equivalent of High School. Only boys were allowed to
attend. The main focus of this school was the literary arts.
attend. The main focus of this school was the literary arts.
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