Subjects:
In colonial times, status was the main reason for some people to have more opportunities then others. The plantation owners and the clergy men held the most power in the community. The common working man, or small farm owners, for the most part had a hard time getting their ideas put into action or their concerns recognized. The first people to stand up for themselves were Bacon’s Rebellion. As said is an excerpt from Colonial America by Oscar T. Barck, Jr. Bacon’s Rebellion was “…the first instance in the colonies in which the common people rose not only against the royal governor, but also the rule of the privileged class.’” This shows that opportunities were not always equal in colonial times.
. . .
Slavery proved to be a cheaper, more efficient way of getting work done on plantations. They were treated harshly, and brutal punishments were enforced for wrongdoings. In Travels Through the Middle Settlements in North America Andrew Burnaby said, “… The buildings are in general good; the streets open and spacious… and the whole has much the air of some of our best country towns in England. This proved to be a good way to make a living in colonial America. Because of this, the opportunities were not equal for all of the colonists, and this is evident through the proof of slavery and indentured servitude. In fact, slave codes insured the ownership of the slave to their master for the rest of their life, and their children’s lives. ” Farming was a fast and profitable way to start colonies and was one of the few industries of the time, and most colonists seized this opportunity. ” The land that was available was desirable, and held the same memories England did.
Most of the colonists were farmers or plantation owners.
However, one of the reasons most people came to America, was the need for workers and the high wages. Several reasons accounted for this, including the headright system which encouraged the importation of these servants.
Essay's Topics
All research is for reference purposes only.