Colonial Trades and Their Roles

The video explores various jobs in colonial America, highlighting the roles of children and different tradespeople such as cobblers, hatters, blacksmiths, pewterers, tanners, silversmiths, cabinet makers, clock makers, millers, wheelwrights, coopers, barbers, tailors, and whitesmiths. Each trade is explained in terms of its importance and function in colonial society, emphasizing the self-sufficiency required during that era.

Why was work considered important for children in colonial America?

• It was a way to earn money for toys.

• It was a form of punishment.

• It was a way to avoid school.

• It was seen as a way to avoid laziness.

What was unique about the shoes made by cobblers in colonial times?

• They had built-in lights.

• They were identical for both feet.

• They were all left-footed.

• They were made of plastic.

What material did hatters primarily use to make hats?

• Beaver skins

• Wool

• Cotton

• Silk

What additional role did blacksmiths sometimes have in colonial towns?

• Tailor

• Chef

• Dentist

• Teacher

What did silversmiths do with silver coins in colonial times?

• Used them as currency

• Melted them to create silverware

• Traded them for gold

• Buried them for safekeeping

What was the primary job of a cabinet maker in colonial America?

• Designing clothes

• Crafting shoes

• Making furniture

• Building houses

What was a 'wag on the wall' clock?

• A clock made of gold

• A clock with a pendulum

• A clock without a case

• A clock with a digital display

Why were coopers important in colonial towns?

• They were town leaders.

• They built houses.

• They crafted barrels and buckets.

• They made shoes.

What unusual medical practice did barbers perform?

• Acupuncture

• Bloodletting

• Surgery

• Chiropractic adjustments

What was the primary role of a whitesmith?

• Weaving textiles

• Making leather goods

• Crafting tin items

• Building ships