North and South America in the 18 th Century. China: Had similar levels of Military technology Politically unified Europeans posed no threat to.

The New World during the Age of Reason

North and South America in the 18th Century

Europeans in Asia

China: Had similar levels of Military technology Politically unified Europeans posed no threat to them at this time Europeans operated and traded only with Chinese permission Christian missionaries were tolerated for a timeIndia: Politically divided Europeans got involved in the conflicts in the region European influence in the area grew slowly Although Europeans did not directly control India, they were a

powerful political and military presence They were able to set up military bases throughout the region

and eventually came to dominate trade and commerce

South America

South America was mostly colonized by the Spanish and Portuguese

Thousands of Slaves were imported to South America (Brazil was the single largest importer of slaves) and plantations and mines were set up across the continent

Since Spain still had relations with the Catholic Church, Jesuit missionaries came to South America to spread the Catholic Faith

The Jesuit Missions

The Jesuits set up hundred of Missions (or Reductions) and educated and converted many Native South Americans

The Jesuits also believed slavery was morally wrong and an affront to God

The Jesuits protected Natives from slave hunters (mostly Portuguese)

However, in a deal made between Spain and Portugal, Brazil was awarded to Portugal

When this happened, the Spanish protection of the Missions in Brazil ended and Portuguese slave hunter ravaged the countryside

The Missions were destroyed and the Jesuits were forcibly removed – some were murdered

North America

North American Natives faced a massive influx of French and British colonists

These colonies soon expanded in every direction and more and more Native groups were displaced by Europeans

However, through cunning and intelligence, most native tribes were able to survive and thrive during these early years

They soon understood that the French and English were bitter rivals and were able to play the two sides against each other

Attitudes of Natives towards Europeans

Many native tribes saw the benefit of trade with the Europeans – they had Guns, Horses etc

Some Natives admired the Europeans strength and technology – attempts were often made to copy European practices

The Gunstock War Club

The French and Indian Wars

The North American component of the Seven Years War between France and Britain

Started because English Colonies expended into territory claimed by the French

A brutal Conflict with many Native tribes caught in the middle Most Natives decided to side with the French The French were mostly Hunters and Trappers and had good relations with the

Natives, the English were farmers and merchants and were more of an imposition

The decisive battle was the Battle for Quebec – AKA the Plains of Abraham The British won and came to dominate the continent This war had a major impact on the creation of both USA and Canada However, this war put Natives in a bad position – they could no longer play the

middle ground Nothing was stopping the English from expanding deeper and deeper into

North America BUT . . After years of war, the British wanted peace with the Natives – however,

the colonists wanted reward for their victory – they demanded permission to take more and more from the surrounding areas

This was the beginning of problems between the 13 colonies and Britain . . . Problems that eventually lead to the American revolution

Summary

The Portuguese domination of Brazil leads to the destruction of many native groups

The seven years war is fought for control of North America

The British win. . . This has a major impact on the natives (very negative) and the formation of both Canada and the USA.