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.