Whaling: Important Colonial Industry

One of the most fascinating aspects of life in New England (Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut & New Hampshire) was the whaling industry. To think that animals of that size could be hunted down without the use of any modern technology is very interesting. The whaling industry shaped much of colonial life at that time. In fact, whale oil was used to light lamps and lanterns in all thirteen colonies!

For this week's blog, visit this website and read ALL of these four sections: American Whaling, Vessels & Terminology, Life Aboard and Whales & Hunting. In the comments section, list (using numbers like 1. 2. 3. etc.) the ten most important/interesting things you learned from each section. That will be a total of 40 facts!

The French & Indian War: The War That Made America

The other major event at this time in the colonies, besides the First Great Awakening (which was covered in last week's blog) was the French + Indian War. Essentially, the French and British were fighting in Europe and it bled over into the North American continent. Fighting broke out in 1754 and was concluded in 1763. The British won the war and gained essentially all the land EAST of the Mississippi River. This was is interesting because there were conflicts between the French/British, British/Colonists and Colonists/Natives.

For this week, watch this video and take good notes while you listen/watch. Summarize the important points (people, battles, places etc.) of this conflict in the comments section. What would've happened if the French had won the war?

The First Great Awakening: America's First Spiritual Revival

One of the most interesting aspects of the colonial era is the longer the British colonies were established, the less British they became. The colonists slowly what can essentially be called a "unique American culture" even though they were technically still the "property" of England.

The First Great Awakening (implying there was to be a 2nd G.A. later) occurred in the decades leading up to the French/Indian War. Preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield drew massive crowds and attention to spiritual matters. 

For this week's blog, you are going to visit this website which gives a brief overview of the importance of the First Great Awakening. Be sure to read not only the main page but also the extra links on the right-hand side of the screen.

Then please read Jonathan Edwards' most famous sermon: Sinners In The Hands of an Angry God. This message is considered the most important primary source from this era.

For the comment section, write your reaction to this period of colonial history. What did you think of the sermon? What was your favorite line/phrase?

Religious Freedom?: Salem Witch Trials

You should know by now that not every colony started in America was founded for religious freedom.  Most people think the thirteen original colonies were all about freedom from religious oppression in Europe, but people also came for adventure, profit, to escape a rocky past, for cheap land etc.  All of that being said, Massachusetts was known for its religious background.  Unfortunately, it was not always positive.

Massachusetts, well actually most of New England, was founded by Puritans.  This religious group took their spiritual life very seriously.  In fact, only church members were allowed to vote in Massachusetts.  Visit this website for a brief description.

The Puritans strict beliefs about the way life should be lived, coupled with their very paranoid attitude about the Devil, led to the infamous Salem Witch Trials of the 1690s.  Salem was not the only Massachusetts town that experienced a witch hunt, but it has become the most notorious due to Salem's tourist industry, a recent revival of interest in witchcraft and a famous play called The Crucible about the trials.

I visited Salem, MA last summer and spent some time at this museum.  When you visit this website, please look at three of the sections on the left side of the screen: 1692 Salem Witch Trials, FAQ & Kids' Questions.  Be sure to watch all of the videos in the Kids' Questions section.

For the comments section this week, reflect on the lifestyle and beliefs of the Puritans, as well as all you learned about the Witch Trials, and discuss whether or not the Salem Trials were legitimate.  Do you think there were witches in Salem?  If not, why do you think the Witch Trials happen?  Can you think of any modern examples where people get caught up in a mass hysteria movement and are blamed/accused of things that are not true?