Triangular Slave Trade and The Great Awakening

Study Notes

Triangular Slave Trade

Started in the early 18th century
European ships transported enslaved Africans to the British West Indies and Southern Colonies
In exchange for slaves, Europeans received sugar and molasses.
These goods were turned into rum and shipped back to Europe
European traders then used the rum to purchase more slaves in Africa

The Great Awakening

A religious revival movement in the American colonies from the 1730s to the 1740s
Many colonists longed for a spiritual revival that was deeply meaningful and passionate.
Ministers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield emphasized emotional faith over intellectual understanding.
The Great Awakening also brought faith to slaves and Native Americans.

Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards believed in God's good will for salvation.
Emphasized the importance of emotional faith in conversion.

George Whitefield

Felt that God was merciful and that people could repent and save their souls.

Junipero Serra

Born in 1713 in Spain
Became a Franciscan priest in 1730.
Traveled to New Spain to learn and convert Native Americans.

Slavery in the United States

The Southern colonies developed a strong economy based on slavery.

Religious Justifications for Slavery

Many European colonists used Christianity to justify slavery.
They believed that enslaving Africans would "civilize" them and convert them to Christianity.
They also interpreted biblical passages to legitimize slavery.

The Great Awakening and Slavery

The Great Awakening emphasized spiritual equality but did not necessarily challenge the practice of slavery.
Ministers like George Whitefield supported slavery while promoting the Christianization of slaves to increase obedience.
Some slaveholders feared that converting slaves to Christianity would weaken the justification for their enslavement.
Others embraced conversion, believing it would make slaves more submissive.
Enslaved Africans brought their own religious traditions, which often blended with Christianity, resulting in unique religious practices.

Early Abolitionist Movements

Quakers, particularly in Pennsylvania, were among the first religious groups to oppose slavery.
Their opposition stemmed from their belief in equality.

The French and Indian War (1754-1763)

Part of the larger Seven Years' War, it had significant consequences for colonial America.

Causes of the French and Indian War

Territorial disputes between Britain and France over control of the Ohio River Valley.
Both nations sought to expand their empires in the region for trade and settlement.

Native American Alliances

Some Native American tribes aligned with the French (e.g., Algonquin).
Others sided with the British (e.g., Iroquois Confederacy).
Control of fur trade routes was also a factor in Native American involvement.

Key Events and Battles

George Washington led British forces in an unsuccessful attempt to capture Fort Duquesne (modern-day Pittsburgh).
British General Edward Braddock suffered a major defeat while trying to capture Fort Duquesne.
The British, under leaders like William Pitt, invested more resources into the war after 1758, leading to key victories.
The capture of Quebec in 1759 by General James Wolfe marked a turning point in favor of Britain.

Results of the French and Indian War

The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1763.
France ceded much of its North American territory.
Britain gained control of Canada and lands east of the Mississippi River while Spain took control of French territory west of the Mississippi.

Impact on Colonists

British victory increased tensions between the colonies and Britain.
Britain was in debt and began imposing new taxes on the American colonies to pay for the war (e.g., Stamp Act, Sugar Act).
The Proclamation of 1763 prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains to prevent conflicts with Native Americans. This angered colonists eager to expand.

Consequences Leading to the American Revolution

The British tightened control over the colonies, leading to colonial resentment.
Colonists felt unfairly taxed and restricted despite their significant contributions to the war effort.
Many colonial leaders, including George Washington, gained valuable military experience during the war.
This experience later proved useful in the American Revolution.
The French and Indian War contributed to the displacement of Native Americans.

Description

Explore the significant events of the Triangular Slave Trade and The Great Awakening. Understand how European traders exploited enslaved Africans and the impact of religious revival in the American colonies during the 18th century. Learn about key figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield who emphasized emotional faith.