Economies and social structure of New England. The British-American conflict - Essay Example

Compare and contrast the economies and social structure of New England, the Chesapeake/South and Middle colonies. 2. Trace the development of the British-American conflict. Could the relationship have been saved? 3. Compare the strengths and weakness Differences in Economies and social structure of New England, the Chesapeake/South and Middle colonies Chesapeake colony was characterized by prevalence of diseases, which shortened life span of people and weak families (Nellis 207). The social setting of Chesapeake was structured in a way that it included hardworking farmers with Africans providing free labor in the farms. The traditional culture of Chesapeake was disrupted and inhibited by the African slaves who later developed a distinct culture in the region (Nellis 208). On the contrast, New England was flourishing and characterized by healthy and extended life spans, established towns and churches, and favorable economic environment. In the Deep South, many slaves died of overwork and diseases (Nellis 210). Production in this region went down as there was a shortage of laborers to work. On the side of Chesapeake, slaves were able to reproduce naturally, and this led to abundant source of labor to the region especially on tobacco region (Boyer 54). As Deep South and Chesapeake tried to counter diseases and low quality life, New England way of life was advancing gradually. Its clean water and cool air played a part in ensuring a healthy way of life which to a greater extent added ten years to the average English life span (Boyer 56). Social structure of the New England was much centered on strong families. Most of the families in New England concentrated much on fishing and merchant shipping due rocky soil on their lands. New Englanders became resourceful and idealistic due to the fact that they experienced difficult lives (Boyer 58). Middle colonies were similar to New England only that the majority of the people in that region were farmers. Similarities in Economies and social structure of New England, the Chesapeake/South and Middle colonies On the other hand, there were some contexts shared by the south and New England. For example, culturally, the majorities of settlers were of English origin, spoke English, and practiced English traditions (Boyer 62). Although there were restrictions of religious practices, all the colonies allowed religion freedom, but so some extent. However, the New England was seen to be more stringent about it. In all the colonies, there was a representative assembly that was democratically elected by eligible voters. In all the colonies, the issue of hereditary aristocracy was not allowed (Nellis 214). There was a belief that social mobility enabled Americans to work hard and raise their standards of living. In all the colonies, men were made the leaders, and the English law gave them unlimited powers. However, in all the colonies, women were considered to be subordinate, with much of their activities limited within homesteads. They were not allowed to vie for political positions, and were entitled to limited rights (Boyer 68). The development of the British-American conflict At first, the conflict between the British and America was triggered by the financial costs of Anglo-French wars (Middlekauff 9). It was also evident that Britain viewed American lands viable for providing law materials to Britain, and in turn makes the colonies consumers of the British manufactured goods. The American colonists were persistent in trying to negotiate the controversial policies which challenged their principles with the British parliament. Lack and limited communication between England and America was another cause of the conflict (Middlekauff 14). Boats that sailed between London and in different colonial ports of America took too much time to take back information from England. This led to widening of the gap between Americans and the British. Another concern was the fact that some Americans who served the so-called “commonwealthman” tradition viewed it as a symbol of sin and fraud (Black 105). To some extent, Americans appealed for a separate legislature because they viewed parliament’s endorsement of wrong policies as a symbol of corruption that would spread across the highly morally oriented society. Although there was an idea of sharing power with the Americans that could have saved British Empire from losing some of its precious colonies, the English parliament was persistent on the sovereignty of the parliament (Black 108). The idea of Britain to govern America without representation in the Great Britain parliament was agitating to Americans. The British government wanted to establish a position of the Anglican Church in order to capture the majority of Americans into British rule (Middlekauff 16). However, the Americans amended their constitution to separate church from state (Black 106). It is also apparent that some British politicians were of the notion that if the American were to continue developing and becoming wealthy, it was apparent that they would feel dissatisfied with the British imperial government, and this would push them more to demand more democratic forms of government (Middlekauff 16). British also refused to allow American colonies to expand into Ohio River Valley, because they wanted to honor the treaty they had made with Iroquois. British strengths and American weaknesses The British was seen to be unbeatable. Before the conflict with America, and during the previous one century, the British enjoyed victory after victory over powerful nations like France and Spain (Black 116). At that time, Britain military was ranked the best in the world. Their troops were adequately equipped, well disciplined and were among the best paid in the world (Middlekauff 28). In addition, the British navy took control over the seas. British could easily raise funds, which were raised by the empire to purchase weapons to fight Americans, as opposed to America that relied on continental congress which had problems raising enough funds to purchase weapons. An average of one out of five Americans supported crown. In addition, most Indians supported British with hope that they would provide them with protection over issues of tribal lands. American strength and British weaknesses Americans had also some advantages over the British. The British fought far from home. Their troops and weapons took months before they reach the destination. This war was actually British instigated, in the effort to persuade the Americans to surrender their claim of independence (Middlekauff 22). The vastness of the colonies posed a great challenge to the British. On the other hand, American had a grant cause: they were fighting for their rights and liberty (Black 126). The American political leaders were more focused and experienced, they influenced the military competently. In the British parliament, there were many American sympathizers. Works cited: Black, Jeremy. War for America: the fight for independence, 1775-1783. Stroud: Sutton, 2001. Print. Boyer, Paul., et al. The enduring vision: a history of the American people. Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011. Print. Middlekauff, Robert. The glorious cause: the American Revolution: 1763-1789. New York (N.Y.); Oxford: Oxford University Press, cop. 2005. Print. Nellis, Guest. An empire of regions: a brief history of colonial British America. North York [i.e. Toronto], Ont.; Tonawanda, N.Y.: University of Toronto Press, 2010. Print. Read More