The American Revolution: Part One

However, economic conditions in England improved, and the indentured servants became scarce.

Although economic circumstances varied widely among the colonies, one feature was common to all. While life in the Old World meant ceaseless toil for the lower classes, with no promise beyond a bleak existence, colonists discovered that in the New World, labor could increase one's wealth, and in some cases, people could move from lower into higher social classes.

In forced labor camps, even the youngest children were forced to toil like animals.

Dr. Kim expressed concern about the bleak global economic picture. New York Times (Jul 2, 2012)

Successive epidemics of smallpox and other European diseases, for which the Indians had no resistance, ravaged the population.

The sect often targets government officials, religious figures and places of worship, usually Christian churches.

Some historians interpret the Toleration Act as an effort to foster stability in the colonies so that economic growth, which brought wealth to the Crown, would not be hindered by religious wars.

Red tape, local opposition and questions about who will finance the sector's growth and carry risks of failure are all hindering expansion.

It is notable, too, that many colonists had the freedom to eschew any religious faith.

A variety of ethnic groups settled in the colonies. The English made up the largest percentage of the population. Africans, with 20 percent of the population, constituted the next largest group. Irish, Scots, and German settlers also comprised significant sectors of the population.

Each colony was governed by an elected Colonial Assembly, which exercised the right to levy, collect, and spend taxes.

Disenfranchised were women, Africans, Indians, indentured servants, and adult, white males without property.

they were quite liberal compared to voting requirements in other countries, and the colonists recognized their relatively privileged status in this regard.

Colonial life was distinguished first and foremost by its diversity.

In the southern colonies, families lived on plantations of tobacco and rice that thrived in the warm and humid climate.

The group's French business is dominated by the Reseau Pro chain, the country's second largest distributor of building materials including roofing, timber and flooring.

As British citizens, they enjoyed the protection of British law, which guaranteed freedom of speech, freedom from arbitrary arrest and punishment, right of habeas corpus, and right to a trial by jury.

Some historians view the governors as mere figureheads, while others emphasize their ongoing power struggles with the colonial assemblies.