I. What was America Like in the Early 18th Century
A. Huge Growth in Population
1. Birthrate
2. Immigration
B. Class Structure
1. Upper Class (gentry: planters, merchants, ministers, lawyers, govt. officials)
2. Middle Class (farmers with own land, craftsmen, tradespeople
3. Lower Class (Hired farmhands, indentured servants and slaves)
C. Advantages of Americans
1. Economic Advantages
a) Land Ownership
b) Employment
c) Taxes
2. Lack of Class Barriers
3. Living Standards
D. Government
1. Governors
2. Assemblies
3. Constitutions and the Right to Vote
E. English Attitude towards the Colonies
1. Mercantilism
2. Out of touch
3. Salutary Neglect
F. John Peter Zenger and Criminal Libel
II. The Great Awakening
A. Decline of Puritanism
B. Growth of Religious Tolerance
C. What was the Great Awakening?
D. Leaders of the Great Awakening
1. Jonathan Edwards
2. George Whitefield
E. Importance of Education
F. Political Significance
1. New View of the World
2. Democratizing Trend and Challenge to Authority
3. Americanization of Churches
4. Uniting Colonies