The Colonial Roots of America’s Founding Ideals

25/26 August

Preview 1. What four words describe the people in the painting? 2. These people are on a ship. Where might they be going? Why might they be traveling there? 

3. The men are signing a document called the Mayflower Compact. What do you think the document might be about? 4. Five founding ideals of the United States are equality, rights, liberty, opportunity, and democracy. Which of these ideals seem to be represented in the painting? Support your answer with specific details from the painting. 5. What details in the painting seem to contradict the founding ideals? Explain your ideas.

What is power to you? Is it Political Power? Is it the ability to influence? Is it money or wealth? Is it strength?

Power

1620, a group of 102 passengers traveled on the Mayflower hoping to join the Jamestown settlement in Virginia.

Due to heavy storms the group on the Mayflower will land hundreds of miles north of their intended target.

1/3 of those passengers were English Protestant Separatists seeking religious freedom. Leader was William Bradford

Fearing revolt, the Separatist leaders drew up an agreement known as the Mayflower Compact.

How Did It All Begin?

The Separatist and other passengers agreed to live in a “Civil Body.”

Agreed to obey “just and equal Laws” enacted by representatives of their choosing for the good of the Colony.

First written framework for self-government.

Mayflower Compact – What did it Say?

The idea that people were entitled to certain rights and freedoms was rooted in English History in 1215 when the Magna Carta was signed. Established a system of justice based on due process

of law. Under such a system a gov’t cannot deprive a person of

life, liberty, or property except according to the rules. House of Burgesses – formed in 1619 was the first colonial

legislative body. Albany Plan of Union – Drafted by Benjamin Franklin –

proposed an alliance of the colonies for their own defense.

Self – Government

13 Colonies

Governments each side of the Atlantic feared freedom of expression. Publishers who criticized government officials could

be thrown in jail. In 1734 John Zenger was arrested for publishing

an article that blasted the Governor of New York. Jury found Zenger not guilty. Helped promote the idea that the press

should have the freedom to print the truth (Freedom of the Press)

Freedom of the Press

Began in the 1730s when traveling preachers toured the colonies, attracting huge crowds to their emotional gatherings.

Encouraged people to question authority and think for themselves.

As the colonist became more comfortable thinking freely about religious matters, they would also begin to think and speak more freely about political matters.

Great Awakening

Struggles of the Indians Indentured Servants (Georgia) African Americans (slavery) Different religious sects

Liberty for Some