Colonial Society and Life in the Colonies

Who made up the middle class in colonial society?

• Farmers, artisans, shopkeepers, and craftsmen.

• Nobles and aristocrats.

• Laborers and peasants.

• Soldiers and mercenaries.

What was the impact of mercantilism on the colonies?

• It helped England grow rich but limited colonial freedom.

• It allowed the colonies to trade freely with any country.

• It encouraged the colonies to become independent from England.

• It had no significant impact on the colonies.

What was the difference between indentured servants and enslaved Africans?

• Indentured servants were forced to work for life, while enslaved Africans worked for a set number of years to pay off a debt.

• Indentured servants worked for a set number of years to pay off a debt, while enslaved Africans were forced to work for life.

• Indentured servants were paid wages, while enslaved Africans were not allowed to earn any money.

• Indentured servants could choose their work, while enslaved Africans had no choice in their labor.

What economic system did England follow with its colonies?

• Capitalism, where trade is regulated by private owners for profit.

• Socialism, where the government controls all means of production.

• Mercantilism, where colonies existed to make money for the mother country.

• Feudalism, where land was owned by lords and worked by serfs.

What was education like for girls in the colonies?

• Girls were usually taught at home and learned skills like cooking, sewing, and managing a household.

• Girls attended formal schools and studied mathematics and science.

• Girls received no education and were expected to work in the fields.

• Girls were educated alongside boys in coeducational settings.

What role did slavery play in the colonial economy?

• It was important, especially in the Southern colonies, helping plantation owners make large profits.

• It had no significant impact on the economy.

• It was primarily used for household labor in Northern colonies.

• It was a minor aspect of trade and commerce.

What were the three main social classes in colonial society?

• Gentry (Upper Class), Middle Class, Lower Class

• Nobility, Peasants, Merchants

• Aristocrats, Workers, Slaves

• Clergy, Artisans, Farmers

How were enslaved Africans treated in the colonies?

• They were treated as property, had no freedom, and were often punished harshly.

• They were given equal rights and opportunities as free citizens.

• They were allowed to own land and run businesses.

• They were treated with kindness and respect by their owners.

What democratic ideas influenced colonial government?

• Voting and representation.

• Monarchy and absolute rule.

• Feudalism and serfdom.

• Dictatorship and autocracy.

Who were the gentry in colonial society?

• The wealthiest merchants in the colonies, primarily involved in trade.

• The richest people in the colonies, owning large amounts of land and having significant power in government.

• The common farmers who worked the land for the gentry.

• The skilled artisans who produced goods for local markets.