Colonial America

How did the colonies govern themselves?

• Developed their own systems• Two dozen separate colonies in British America• Largely based on independent farmers

Mercantilism

Mercantilism• High tariffs• Network of overseas colonies• Forbidding trade with other nations• Monopolizing markets with staple ports• Banning export of gold & silver• Forbidding trade to be carried in foreign ships• Export subsidies• Promoting manufacturing with research or direct subsidies• Limiting wages• Maximizing use of domestic resources• Restricting domestic consumption with non-tariff barriers to trade

Age of Enlightenment

Thomas Hobbes

Hobbes on natural state of mankind:• “In such condition, there is no place for industry; because the fruit

thereof is uncertain: and consequently no culture of the earth; no navigation, nor use of the commodities that may be imported by sea; no commodious building; no instruments of moving, and removing, such things as require much force; no knowledge of the face of the earth; no account of time; no arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear, and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” – “Chapter XIII.: Of the Natural Condition of Mankind as Concerning their Felicity, and Misery.” - Leviathan

John Locke

Voltaire

“I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”

Montesquieu

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Virginia Company

• London Company• Jamestown• Company of Plymouth• Plymouth• King James I

House of Burgesses

Town Meeting