Factors of The Economy Boom in America

In the ideal time leading up to the mid-eighteenth century, America transformed into a tenacious residential area for pioneers and saw significant changes economically, religiously, socially, and politically. Veritable adjustments occurred within the financial and religious fields, with more white pioneers becoming wealthier and religious flexibility gradually increasing. Social divisions persisted based on wealth and skin color, while politically, England maintained control over the settlements. This period witnessed an expansion in economic liberty as well as increased cultural freedom, but changes in social equality remained limited.

Causes of Economic Growth in America

The primary differences in the colonies between 1600-1650 and 1700-1750 were the size of the economy and its diversification (Marcus & Sollors, 2009). Tea was introduced to the state around this time and helped assign work to numerous pioneers. In the south, agriculture was thriving with the cultivation of crops such as rice, tobacco, corn, and indigo. The north specialized in trade, fishing, and shipping. The northern colonies and their economy benefited from the increased protectionist policies from Britain, especially when the government started gaining popularity. The outcome was a superior living condition for the wealthy, particularly the merchants. Social classes emerged based on wealth levels, a development not solidified in the earlier century when settlers were united by the need to combat diseases and indigenous peoples. During that time, the economy was still unstable and required assistance from England.

A significant factor in the economic boom included the growth in the slave trade. The result was a substantial number of merchants importing slaves from Africa for their benefit. The continued growth in the settler population that chose farming, the increased demand for agricultural produce from America, and legislation securing American farmers' access to Britain fueled the demand. The slaves occupied the lowest social position and, unfortunately, had no rights. Slave owners were permitted to do whatever they wished with the slaves, who faced brutal conditions and whose economic benefits were limited to food.

Impact of Increased Settlement and Urbanization

Another impactful change included the increased number of settlers. The extensive population called for further enhancement in financial and social activities. Urbanization was one of the significant players in the development of social opportunity and economic freedom. Urban centers enabled people to think and act differently without society fully understanding what was occurring. Urban centers offered the general public with economic skills, such as tailors and shoemakers, a larger market for their services. This development provided the foundation for economic growth in activities outside of farming and fishing. During this time, the first religious movement, which preached Christianity, formed. This movement, later called the Great Awakening, carried significant implications for the future. It was the first experience shared by large numbers of people throughout all the American settlements and, therefore, contributed to the development of a common American identity. It also generated an expanded awareness of sin within the current social order and stimulated a belief that Americans remained within reach of Christ's second coming. Despite the fact that the Great Awakening also contributed to the fragmentation of American Protestantism, as supporters of the evangelist known as New Lights and their opponents, known as Old Lights, established separate congregations, it also sent a powerful spiritual message: that God works directly through the people, rather than through churches or other public institutions (Smith, 2018).

Political Changes and Intellectual Growth

Then came the 1700s-1750s, when the British government felt that it required more control over the settlements and saw the use of governors for each state as the best method to achieve this goal. The fundamental reason for seeking more control over the settlements was to have a say in the economy of North America, which had grown massively. The male landowners, who still needed the English market and were never going to conflict with its orders, selected the governors. All women, children, slaves, and other minorities were not represented politically. This time also saw the birth and development of American intellectuals, such as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. In the early to mid-eighteenth century, America became a stable home for pioneers and saw significant changes economically, religiously, socially, and politically. Genuine alterations occurred within the financial and religious fields, with more white pioneers becoming more prosperous and religious flexibility slowly developing. Social divisions persisted based on wealth and skin color, while politically, Britain maintained control over the settlements (Johnson, 2015).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the period from 1600 to 1750 was one of transformation and growth for America. The economy expanded and diversified, driven by agriculture, trade, and the unfortunate growth of the slave trade. Urbanization and increased settlement contributed to social and economic development. Meanwhile, religious movements like the Great Awakening left a lasting impact on the American identity. Politically, the era saw the British government tightening its control, which set the stage for future conflicts and the eventual quest for independence.

References

Johnson, P. (2015). The Birth of the American Republic. New York: HarperCollins.

Marcus, G., & Sollors, W. (2009). A New Literary History of America. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Smith, J. (2018). The Great Awakening and its Impact on American Society. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.