LIFE IN THE AMERICAN COLONIES

After the arrival of the first Pilgrims in Plymouth Colony in 1620 the Puritans from England sent smaller groups in the mid 1620s to establish colonies, buildings and food supplies. A larger group of Puritans arrived in 1630. This way, the American colonies were little by little established. They were usually fishing villages or farming communities along the fertile land along the rivers. Moreover, the land provided rich resources including timber and the hunting of wild life provided furs and food. The New England colonies were located near the ocean, where there was an abundance of whales and other sea life. For about a century they had a peaceful life and developed their own economic system. The colonists were in fact quite self-governed and for some time Great Britain did not ask for the taxes* that the colonies should have paid. However, things changed, tension appeared and in fact, it increased. The colonies considered the mother country was a problem for their economic development because Great Britain was interested in using the American raw materials and not in developing the industries there. Moreover, Great Britain had the monopoly of some products. As far as politics was concerned, the colonists thought it was not fair to pay taxes if they could not elect the Members of Parliament** in Great Britain. George III (1760-1820) tried to pass several acts taxing different goods (sugar, stamps, etc.) and the colonists boycotted the English products. Thus, the Tea Acts of 1773 gave way to the so called Boston Tea Party. The ground for the War of Independence was already set.
*Tax: Charge against a citizens person, property or activity for the support of government. **Member of Parliament: An elected member of the British Parliament. 1 . .

Answer these questions according to the text about the American colonies:

1. Describe the kind of life colonists had during the second half of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century. Make sure you include information about their: - Location - Resources - Food - Other necessities 2. Give the reasons why the American colonists rejected the British political system. 3. Can you guess what the Boston Tea Party was? Can you imagine why tea was so important?
REMEMBER AND THINK

4. Explain in your own words what the word monopoly means. Is the British monopoly an example of market economy? 5. The text above explains the colonists did not agree with the idea of paying taxes without taking part in the British Parliament. Can you remember the slogan they used in their demonstrations against this fact? Complete the bubble in the picture.

REMEMBER AND THINK