Between 1660 and 1775, the North American colonies of Great Britain underwent substantial changes in terms of race, ethnicity, and religion. Initially, the settlers were mostly white in terms of race, English in terms of ethnicity, and Protestant in terms of religion. The New World offered a refuge for those seeking religious freedom. Furthermore, as markets expanded and labor demands increased, individuals from various races and ethnic backgrounds joined the colonization efforts in America. These complex effects highlight that colonial society was a unique melting pot.
After Queen Elizabeth’s victory over the Roman Catholics in the battle for religious supremacy, Protestantism became the predominant faith in England. As a result, Roman Catholics sought refuge in the New World to avoid persecution. An affluent English Catholic named Cecilius Calvert, or Lord Baltimore, established Maryland as a haven for his fellow Catholics. Nevertheless, even in Maryland, Catholics faced danger from Protestant settlers. In 1649, the Maryland colony passed the Act Concerning Religion.
As per the act, individuals who have faith in Jesus Christ should not face persecution or hostility due to their religion and should not be forced to embrace any other religion against their will. This principle is highlighted in Document A. The presence of both Protestants and Catholics showcases the importance of religion in colonial society. When English settlers arrived in America, they encountered Native Indians who were inhabiting most of the lands in the New World. The Englishmen considered the Indians as hindrances that obstructed their colonization efforts.
Following the arrival of the English at Chesapeake Bay, conflict swiftly erupted. The attempts of compromise between the English and Indians proved unsuccessful. Lord de la Warr initiated a brutal campaign with the aim of eradicating the Indians completely. Overall, the arrival of European colonizers disrupted Native American life and caused profound changes to their culture. Over time, though, Native Americans became more adept at adapting to colonial customs. Despite this, ongoing conflicts persisted between the two groups. Bacon’s Rebellion is considered one of the most violent clashes between Native Americans and colonists.
Nathaniel Bacon led a group of men to raid several Indian villages in response to Governor Berkeley’s containment policy. Document B shows that Bacon believed Governor Berkeley showed favoritism towards Indians instead of white colonists. Indentured servants, African-Americans, and whites all participated in Bacon’s Rebellion, demonstrating the ability of colonists from different ethnic backgrounds to come together during difficult times. Most colonial states in North America primarily focused on agriculture. Plantations required a significant number of workers who worked tirelessly without any pay, in order to achieve high productivity.
The ideal worker for this role could be an indentured servant or a slave. Ship captains were eager to transport individuals across the Atlantic Ocean on credit, confident that they would be profitable through an agreement. This agreement involved both local residents and newcomers. According to Document C, individuals from various backgrounds such as Englishmen, Dutchmen, and High Germans, who hailed from colonies or lived up to forty hours away, would board a recently arrived ship that had brought people from Europe and put them up for sale.
They select the most robust and suitable individuals for their needs and discuss with them the duration of the time they will serve to repay their travel expenses. While indentured servants had certain rights in society, others were not as lucky. Slaves, who were forcibly taken from their homes in Africa, were transported to labor on plantations cultivating sugar and cotton. Unlike tobacco, the production of sugar and cotton demanded prolonged and intensive labor in a hot and humid environment, making it ideal for Africans. Numerous individuals were compelled into labor, and countless others arrived annually.
In Document D, it is evident that Africans constituted approximately two-thirds of the population. Ultimately, the colonization of these races represents the diverse nature of the American colonies. English immigrants founded these colonies for various purposes, creating a society where diversity played a significant role in its progress. The acceptance of different religions and the blending of disparate cultures further demonstrate the diversity within the country. These transformations from the early stages of American colonization to a culturally diverse nation signify the key factors that turned America into a melting pot between 1660 and 1775.
