Colonial America
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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. more...
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. more...
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. more...
The British southern campaign was built upon erroneous assumptions based on supposed loyalist strength which was clearly demonstrated at Guilford Courthouse. more...
Anne Hutchinson's emphasis on the covenant of grace threatened the leadership of the Massachusetts Commonwealth as it attempted to organize the colony. more...
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. more...
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. more...
All feature articles in Colonial America
The Massachusetts Government Act of 1774
By: David Todd
The British Parliament passed four acts in response to the Boston Tea Party and other American actions. Called the Intolerable Acts, they further angered the colonies. more...
Colonial and Modern Williamsburg Christmas
By: Sara E. Lewis
A trip to Colonial Williamsburg at Christmas is beloved by many. Although they may feel that they have stepped back in time, a "Williamsburg Christmas" is not colonial. more...
Facts and Myths About Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving holiday is represented as a tradition similar to the one celebrated by many Americans today. However, such is not really the case. more...
Thomas Hooker, Market Bosworth and Hartford
By: John Welford
According to a blue plaque on the wall of a school in a sleepy English market town, Thomas Hooker was the Father of American Democracy. But is this claim justified? more...
The meal shared by Pilgrims and Indians was not the traditional Thanksgiving meal eaten by many Americans today. more...
What Was Life Like for Women in Colonial Boston?
By: Brian Deming
In the decades before the Revolution, most Boston women were literate, many ran shops. Also, abortion was legal and getting a divorce was easier than in England. more...
Jonathan Brewster Reaches Plymouth on Fortune
Colonist Jonathan Brewster arrived in Plymouth in the fall of 1621, son of the Colony's respected elder, William Brewster. more...
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