Self-Rule Rollercoaster - L. Johnson by Lauren Johnson

Mayflower Compact (1620)

ljohnson263 — 2024-09-11 18:23:13 UTC

The Mayflower Compact was a contract created by the colonists, for the colonists, stating that the colonists will remain loyal to England, but practice self-rule within the English settlements. This contract allowed for colonists to create a government to make decisions for the colonies. Furthermore, the Mayflower Compact allowed for the practice of democracy by holding elections to make decisions when needed.

House of Burgesses (1619)

ljohnson263 — 2024-09-11 18:23:58 UTC

To attract more colonists and laborers to America, the House of Burgesses was created to allow citizens to have more control over the government. Within the House of Burgesses, the Royal Govenor, a position appointed by the king, oversaw trade and approved laws throughout Virginia. The Royal Governor could also dismiss colonial assemblies. Beneath the Royal Governor, the Council or Upper House was a group of advisors selected by the governor that acted as the highest court in Virgina. The Colonial Assemblies or Lower House was a group of people elected by colonists who created laws, controlled taxes, and decided the governor's pay. The branches within the House of Burgesses allowed for one branch to not have extreme power over another branch. However, the Royal Govenor was chosen by the king of England, demonstrating that England still had influence within the government of America.

Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639)

ljohnson263 — 2024-09-15 17:18:33 UTC

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut was the first written constitution in America. This constitution allowed for leaders to represent a legislative body based on popular vote. This way of voting and the formation of a legislative body foreshadowed the democratic government of the United States.

Start of Salutary Neglect (1721)

ljohnson263 — 2024-09-15 17:25:42 UTC

In 1721, Robert Walpole became the Prime Minister of England. However, Walpole's support stemmed from Walpole bribing people with jobs. Walpole corruptly ruled England and the colonies by practicing the unofficial policy of salutary neglect. Walpole turned a blind eye to those who chose to ignore old laws if they paid. For instance, Walpole allowed people to directly disobey the Navigation Acts and trade freely, if those choosing to do so paid him a considerable amount.

Start of the Navigation Acts (1651)

ljohnson263 — 2024-09-15 17:36:16 UTC

The Navigation Acts were a set of laws imposed by the English that forbid the citizens of England from importing or exporting goods to or from in England, ensuring only domestic trade occurred. Furthermore, only English boats were allowed to carry and deliver such goods. These laws cut off the colonists' trade with England; those who disobeyed had their goods seized by his Majesty and the governor of the land. People were forced to pledge their loyalty to England to ensure no illegal trade occurred. England also claimed the right to all goods grown on English owned plantations, even if the agriculture was overseas. This law cut off the colonists' benefits from English owned plantations in the colonies.

Formation of the Dominion of New England (1686)

ljohnson263 — 2024-09-15 17:43:07 UTC

After the death of King Charles II, King James II took over the throne and altered the ways of life in the colonies. In 1686, King James II merged the colonies of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. In 1688, he expanded the Dominion of New England to merge New Jersey and New York with the other already merged colonies. This allowed King James II to have more control over the English colonies by eliminating their right to rule colonies individually. The Dominion of New England angered colonists as it forbid them from having a legislative body and reserved complete power to King James II. Furthermore, King James II attempted to force a uniform religion on the colonists, angering Puritans who left for America to exercise their religion freely.

End of the Dominion of New England / Boston Rebellion (1688)

ljohnson263 — 2024-09-15 17:56:01 UTC

After the Glorious Revolution, King James II abdicated the throne leaving rule to his son-in-law, William of Orange. Andros became the governor of the Dominion but tried to escape by dressing as a woman after the Boston Rebellion. However, the colonists recognized Andros and captured him before he escaped. They set up the Council of Safety to control colonial affairs. The council chose to return to the puritan-run society and encouraged other colonies to claim their independence by returning to their old charters and ways of life. The overthrowing of the Dominion of New England broke up all the colonies once again, but now the colonies were Royal colonies, diminishing Puritan power. However, the overthrowing of the Dominion showed the colonists that they can fight against England and win, foreshadowing the events of the American Revolution.