Late-17th century

Definition

The late-17th century refers to the period from approximately 1670 to 1700, marked by significant political, social, and economic developments in Europe and its colonies. This era was characterized by changes in colonial policies, shifts in power dynamics between European nations, and evolving relationships between indigenous populations and colonizers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Colonial expansion intensified during the late-17th century as European powers sought to establish control over more territories in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
2. The late-17th century saw the rise of plantation economies in the Caribbean and southern colonies of North America, heavily reliant on enslaved labor.
3. Religious tensions were significant during this time, with conflicts arising not only in Europe but also affecting colonial societies where different religious groups coexisted.
4. Indigenous populations faced increasing pressures from expanding colonial settlements, leading to conflicts such as King Philip's War in New England.
5. The late-17th century laid the groundwork for future political revolutions and social changes, as ideas about governance and individual rights began to circulate more widely.

Review Questions

• How did mercantilism influence colonial policies in the late-17th century?
  • Mercantilism played a crucial role in shaping colonial policies during the late-17th century by promoting the idea that a nation's power was directly related to its wealth. European powers implemented mercantilist policies to control trade routes and accumulate precious metals through their colonies. This led to strict regulations on colonial trade, often limiting economic interactions to benefit the mother country while exploiting colonial resources. As a result, colonies were often forced into specific trade practices that favored their rulers rather than fostering independent economic growth.
• Discuss the impact of the Glorious Revolution on both England and its American colonies during the late-17th century.
  • The Glorious Revolution had a profound impact on both England and its American colonies by establishing a constitutional monarchy that limited royal authority. This shift resulted in greater representation for Parliament and strengthened legal rights for citizens. In the colonies, it encouraged a sense of self-governance as colonists began to push back against royal governors who acted contrary to their interests. The Revolution also fostered religious tolerance in some regions, allowing Protestant dissenters to gain more influence in both English politics and colonial administration.
• Analyze how the events of the late-17th century set the stage for future conflicts between colonizers and indigenous populations.
  • The late-17th century was marked by significant tensions between colonizers and indigenous populations due to increasing land demands from European settlers. As colonies expanded, indigenous peoples faced encroachments on their territories, leading to violent conflicts like King Philip's War. These confrontations highlighted the stark differences in land use and governance philosophies between Native Americans and Europeans. Furthermore, as colonization continued unchecked, it fostered an environment ripe for future conflicts, setting precedents for treaties that would often be broken or ignored by colonizers as they sought further expansion.

Related terms

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth through trade, particularly gold and silver, which heavily influenced European colonial policies during this period.

Glorious Revolution:

The 1688 overthrow of King James II of England, leading to the establishment of constitutional monarchy and impacting colonial governance and relations with Native Americans.

Triangle Trade:

A transatlantic trading network that connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas, facilitating the exchange of goods, enslaved people, and resources during the late-17th century.