Exploration, Discovery, and Settlement: 1492-1700

In the Massachusetts Bay Colony, there was limited but important democratic action. All male members of the Puritan Church have the right to participate in the yearly elections of the colony’s governor, his assistants, and a representative assembly.

A sizeable part of the colonial population in America was excluded from the political process. Only male property owners could vote representatives, those who were either female or landless had a few rights, slaves and indentured servants had practically none. Many of the governors of the colony ruled with autocratic or unlimited powers, answering only to the King. There was also widespread mistreatment towards the Native Americans.

Spanish Settlements in Northern America

The Spanish settlements developed very slowly because of limited mineral resources and opposition from Native Americans. Spanish developed a settlement in St. Augustine, which is today the oldest city in North America (1565). Santa Fe was established as the capital of New Mexico in 1609. Harsh efforts to Christianize North Americans caused the Pueblo people to revolt in 1680. After the Spanish were driven away from New Mexico they established many settlements in Texas to prevent French expansion. To counter the Russian exploration of Alaska, the Spanish built settlements in San Diego and San Francisco.

European Treatment of Native Americans

The different colonizing nations had different methods of dealing with the Native Americans. The Spanish approach was to conquer, rule, and intermarry. The English pushed away the Native American tribes. The French treated the Native Americans as economic and military allies. The Europeans in general viewed the Native Americans as inferior. Two long term effects of European colonization were the destruction by disease and war of large segments of the Native American population, and the establishment of a permanent legacy of subjugation.

Spanish Policy

In Spanish territory, millions of Native Americans died from enslavement and European diseases, which they had no immunity to. The Spanish colonists generally intermarried with the natives and blacks because few families came from Spain. A rigid class system developed that was dominated by pure-blooded Spaniards.

English Policy

Initially, at least in Massachusetts the English and Native Americans coexisted, traded, and shared ideas. The Native Americans taught the settlers how to grow new crops, and how to hunt. They traded various furs for English manufactured goods such as tools and weapons. Soon peaceful relations gave way and there was open warfare. The English had no respect for Native American cultures.

French Policy

The French maintained relatively good relations with the Native American tribes. The French wanted control of the fur trade, so they built various trading posts along the St. Lawrence River, the Great Lakes, and the Mississippi River. The French had very little population in the America’s so they posed little threat.