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Colonial Society. [Image source: http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/images/farmscene3.jpg]. Eighteenth-century America was a land of equality and opportunity, in contrast with Europe. Charles I. No titled nobility dominated society from on high. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Colonial Society
[Image source: http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/images/farmscene3.jpg]
Eighteenth-century
America was a land of
equality and opportunity, in contrast
with Europe.
No titled nobility
dominated society
from on high.
Charles I
No pauperized underclass threatened society from below.
The most remarkable feature was the rags-to-riches ease with which an ambitious person could rise to
the upper ranks of society.
Colonial Social
Pyramidcirca 1775
SLAVES
Slavery was
introduced into the
colonies in 1619 and quickly
took root.
Colonial Social
Pyramidcirca 1775
SLAVES
INDENTURED SERVANTS
Many people financed their migration to the colonies by
becoming indentured servants.
Servants who served their time
were granted freedom and, in
some cases, a piece of
land.
Is it justme, or does
something smellaround here?
Colonial Social
Pyramidcirca 1775
SLAVES
INDENTURED SERVANTS
TRADESMEN, WORKERS, & HIRED HANDS
Tradesmen, such as
blacksmiths and farriers,
provided invaluable services,
making and repairing
metal tools.
Other craftsmen provided needed
products, such as
furniture and pottery.
For those living near the frontier, the gunsmith was an important
member of the community.
Colonial Social
Pyramidcirca 1775
SLAVES
INDENTURED SERVANTS
TRADESMEN, WORKERS, & HIRED HANDS
YEOMANFARMERS
(owning land)
Most white Americans -
and some free Blacks - were small farmers.
They owned modest holdings and tilled them with their own hands
and draft animals.
Over time, the average size of farms shrank drastically.
Colonial Social
Pyramidcirca 1775
SLAVES
INDENTURED SERVANTS
TRADESMEN, WORKERS, & HIRED HANDS
YEOMANFARMERS
(owning land)LESSER PROFESSIONAL
MEN
Before the first medical school was
established in 1765, most physicians
were poorly trained and held in low
esteem.
They often apprenticed
with an older practitioner before being turned loose to work on their own “victims.”
Bleeding was a
favorite and frequently
fatal remedy for
many maladies.
This is goingto hurt you morethan it will me!
Plagues and epidemics were a constant threat.
