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Colonial America


Feature Writer Articles in Colonial America

How Britain Lost the Revolutionary War
The British lost the Revolutionary War due to weaknesses in the military command structure, under-estimation of colonial resistance, and communication problems.
Colonial American Currencies
Barred from minting their own coins, English colonists were tied to the British currency system as well as the use of foreign gold and silver coins.
The Townsend Acts Replace the Stamp Act
Charles Townsend's four measures generated negligible revenue, divided the Imperial commercial administration, and further ignited colonial opposition to taxes.
Tobacco Farming in the Colonial South
Tobacco was the most important commodity exported to England during the Colonial period, enabling Southern planters to reap substantial profits in the good years.
The Proclamation Line and Westward Expansion
British settlement restrictions were temporary and focused on imperial security concerns but came to be viewed as interference by settlers and land speculators.
Pontiac's Rebellion and the Battle of Bushy Run
Colonel Henry Bouquet's strategy resulted in demoralizing an attack of Native Americans that would almost certainly result in the massacre of his small relief column.
Pontiac's War and the American Colonial Frontier
British mismanagement of Indian Affairs following the French and Indian War sparked a frontier rebellion led by Ottawa War Chief Pontiac and his Indian allies.
The Battle of Trenton December 26, 1776
A combination of brilliant strategy, gamble, & British blunders enabled Washington's deteriorating army to cross the Delaware in adverse conditions and secure a victory.
Colonial Families in Puritan New England
The foundation of the New England Commonwealth was the family, an expression of stability and social order inspired by strict religious community applications.
The Stamp Act as a Cause of Revolution
Although the purpose of the 1765 Stamp Act was to raise revenue, the focus on the act was on shipping and trade and not revenues collected from other printed matter.
Colonial American Crime and Punishment
Punishment for minor petty crimes were severe in the early days of American colonialism in order to protect fragile communities and establish necessary law and order.
Revolutionary North Carolina
The British southern campaign was built upon erroneous assumptions based on supposed loyalist strength which was clearly demonstrated at Guilford Courthouse.
The Trial of Anne Hutchinson
Anne Hutchinson's emphasis on the covenant of grace threatened the leadership of the Massachusetts Commonwealth as it attempted to organize the colony.
Jonathan Edwards and the Great Awakening
The revivalist message of the 18th century Great Awakening was more about individual awareness of spiritual unworthiness and sin than about an angry God bent on hellfire.
Colonial Sabbath Day Practices
Although colonial America exhibited a diversity of religious beliefs, Sabbath day expectations were universal and formed traditional practices still evident today.
Deism and the Founding Fathers
Many of the Founding Fathers accepted the tenets of Deism, rejecting a state church, religious fanaticism, intolerance, and the intervention of God in human affairs.
Early American Recreation
Dog fighting, cockfighting, and a wide variety of sporting and gambling activities created escapes from the drudgery of daily living for American colonists.
Causes of Bacon's Rebellion in 1676
Bacon's Rebellion came in response to conflicts over frontier Indian policies between settlers and the colonial government as well as unjust taxes and favoritism.
Colonial Religion and Intolerance
Several American colonies were founded by religious groups fleeing persecution in Europe, yet many of these same groups became intolerant of other faith traditions.
Birth of the American Free Press
Freedom of the press in the U.S. can be traced back to the post Seven Years' War period as colonial opposition to British revenue policies caused widespread anger.
The Sugar Act of 1764 and Colonial Resistance
The 1764 Sugar Act was more than a revenue producing measure in that its various provisions attempted to reorganize colonial commercial and trade practices.
Witchcraft in the American Colonies
Persecution of witches was most apparent in Colonial New England where strict Calvinist views formed the basis of a theocratic, Old Testament model that accepted witches.
Colonial American Foods and Diets
Although there was no turkey at the first Thanksgiving, early settlers learned to cultivate new crops, hunt deer and fowl, and create diverse, healthy diets.
Colonial Occupations in Early American History
Colonial Era occupations were interesting and unique, focusing on skilled trades necessary in the creation of a society that worked toward prosperity and consumerism.
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
Common Sense argued the absurdity of monarchy and the natural response of separation from Britain as well as outlining a representative form of government.


Contributing Articles in Colonial America

The Story of the Other Tea Party Ships
The controversial tea also went to New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston. Most of the tea was shipped back to England. Some ended up rotting in a warehouse.
Washington's Army At Valley Forge
During that pivotal time General Washington and his Continental Army overcame a lack of supplies, rampant disease, and a harsh winter to emerge stronger than before.
Who Took Part in the Boston Tea Party?
The identities of all of the patriots involved was a secret then and remains something of a mystery. One roster lists 161 participants, but probably 30 to 60 took part.
Historic Yorktown Virginia
The small town of Yorktown, Virginia is steeped in history. This picturesque river town offers a glimpse into the past with all the amenities of the present.
The Tea Party and the Shipwreck Off Cape Cod
Boston Tea Party involved three ships docked at a Boston wharf that December 1773. But there was a fourth tea ship. Did some of this tea end up in patriot kettles?
Samuel Adams
A delegate to the Continental Congresses, Samuel Adams was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and an enthusiastic advocate of freedom.
Fort King George, Darien Georgia
From 1720 to 1727, Fort King George, located on the Altamaha river near Darien Georgia, was the southernmost post of the British Empire in North America.
John Singleton Copley and the Boston Tea Party
The painter who created familiar portraits of Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere also played a fleeting role in events leading to the American Revolution.
Boston on the Eve of the War of Independence
With just 16,000 people, Boston was the third largest town in colonial America. Homes were crowded with over nine people per dwelling. Yet most houses had gardens.
The Pilgrim Thanksgiving With the New Neighbors
The previous year, in 1620, these English Pilgrims were living on the Mayflower in the Cape Cod harbor. Half of them died during their first year in Plymouth.
Descent from Colonist Daniel Gookin of Virginia
Gookin family roots in America were transplanted from England to Virginia and Massachusetts by the colonial immigrant's sons.
Facing Danger on the Frontier
Before Europeans executed their willful overexploitation of the natural wealth they found in the New World's wilderness, they encountered dangers they never expected.
How People Lived Along the American Frontier
The first frontier settlers seemed alien to New England Yankees. Mostly self-reliant Scotch-Irish Protestant immigrants from Ulster, John Adams called them rabble.
Signing the Declaration of Independence
Two men, one from Connecticut and one from Pennsylvania, were the only ones to sign the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and U.S. Constitution.
The Loyal Nine in Pre-Revolutionary Boston
As outrage about taxes heated up in the mid-1760s, this group of men helped stage manage the violence on the streets of Boston. They evolved into the Sons of Liberty.
James Bowdoin
James Bowdoin II was the second governor of Massachusetts and a political and intellectual leader during the American Revolution.
The House at Drayton Hall
The house that John Drayton built has stood the test of time. The structure has remained virtually intact since its completion in 1742.
Biography of Margaret Brent
As a single woman of the 17th century, Margaret Brent made a name for herself in business and through appearances before the Provincial Court and the Maryland Assembly.
Benjamin Franklin Sees America Through the Storm
From start to finish, Benjamin Franklin proved to be an influential link in the chain of events that led to the birth of America.
Tea Consumption in Boston Just Before Tea Party
Before dumping English tea into Boston Harbor in 1773, Bostonians seemed to have accepted Parliament's authority to tax. Tons of taxed tea were peacefully imported.
Abraham Lincoln Slept Here
Pre-Civil War home of Colonel William Jones saved, open to the public. Jones said to be Abraham Lincoln's first employer and introduced future President to Whig politics.
Historic Schuyler-Colfax House and Its Families
Members of the Schuyler and Colfax families lived in Wayne, New Jersey's oldest house for 297 years. They included U. S. Vice President Schuyler Colfax.
Rippon Lodge Filled With Legends
Eccentric man may have saved one of Prince William County's oldest homes. Rippon Lodge has many stories - some true, some not - including a real one about black snakes.
Clementina Rind (c.1740-1774)
Clementina Rind was a patriot of the American Revolution, a printer for the cause, an associate of Thomas Jefferson, and an active advocate of women's social issues.
Influence of the Dutch in the English Language
400 years ago a group of Dutch colonists founded New York City. One can still find examples of Dutch influence in contemporary America's language and towns.

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