Before 1776: Life in the American Colonies

by Robert J. Allison

List of the 36 Lecture Titles
1 The World before Colonial America
2 Spain's New World Empire
3 John Smith, Pocahontas, and Jamestown
4 Virginia and the Chesapeake after Smith
5 The Pilgrims and Plymouth
6 The Iroquois, the French, and the Dutch
7 The Puritans and Massachusetts
8 New England Heretics—Religious and Economic
9 The Connecticut Valley and the Pequot War
10 Sugar and Slaves—The Caribbean
11 Mercantilism and the Growth of Piracy
12 South Carolina—Rice, Cattle, and Artisans
13 New Netherland Becomes New York
14 King Philip's War in New England
15 Bacon's Rebellion in Virginia
16 Santa Fe and the Pueblo Revolt of 1680
17 William Penn's New World Vision
18 The New England Uprising of 1689
19 Witchcraft in New England
20 Captives and Stories of Captivity
21 The Indians' New World
22 Family Life and Labor in Colonial America
23 Smallpox, 1721—The Inoculation Controversy
24 France, Senegal, and Louisiana
26 The Atlantic Slave Trade and South Carolina
27 The New York Conspiracy of 1741
28 The Great Awakening
29 The Albany Conference of 1754
30 The Great War for Empire
31 Pontiac's Revolt against the British
32 Imperial Reform—The Sugar and Stamp Acts
33 North Carolina Regulators Seek Local Rule
34 Virginia—Patrick Henry and the West
35 Destruction of Tea and Colonial Rebellion
36 Independence and Beyond

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Audiobook, Historical

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Dr. Robert J. Allison is Professor of History at Suffolk University in Boston and also teaches history at the Harvard Extension School. He graduated from the Harvard Extension School with an A.L.B. before earning a Ph.D. in the History of American Civilization at Harvard in 1992.

Professor Allison received the Harvard Extension School's Petra Shattuck Distinguished Teaching Award in 1997, the Suffolk University Student Government Association's Distinguished Faculty Award in 2006, and the Suffolk University Outstanding Faculty Award in 2007.

His books include The Crescent Obscured: The United States and the Muslim World, 1776–1815 (2000); A Short History of Boston (2004); Stephen Decatur, American Naval Hero (2005); The Boston Massacre (2006); The Boston Tea Party (2007); and the upcoming A Short History of Cape Cod. He has edited books on American history spanning from the colonial period to the 20th century.

Professor Allison was a consultant to the Commonwealth Museum at the State Archives in Boston, and he is on the board of overseers of the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He is vice president of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts, an elected fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and president of the South Boston Historical Society.

Reviews

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an immigrant with an American history problem.

I moved to the US midway through high school, which worked out just fine for most subjects. Rather inconveniently for me, however, my school's eleventh grade American History class started around the Civil War, since my classmates had learned earlier history in 8th grade. This has left me with a kids' restaurant placemat's worth of knowledge about the colonial period.

If that's not embarrassing enough, as an adult I've struggled to find a source that could fill in at least a part of this gap in my knowledge. There were a few reasons for this. First, adult history books tend to focus on a very small group of people, or an individual, or one event. This enables the writer to tell a good story (and write a blurb that a publisher will consider sellable). But it's not useful to someone who needs to get a grasp on the big picture of this multi-century period.

And then there's the very real possibility that any history book I may pick up, and that of pre-revolutionary America especially, will be written with an ideological slant. That is quite unhelpful when one lacks the basic understanding of the period that's necessary for a critical reading of such a history lesson.

When I happened upon this 36-lecture series, Before 1776: Life in the American Colonies, I was skeptical for several reasons:

1. This was an audio source that wasn't based on a written text, which would make fact-checking hard (I wasn't yet aware of the 180-page supplementary pdf that contains lecture summaries and a 20-page bibliography)
2. It's produced by The Great Courses - which advertises on TV (somebody fetch some smelling salts, I'm going to faint)
3. There's a hat on the cover, and who ever heard of opening a serious book with a hat picture? Nobody, I figured.

This, of course, says much more about how much of a snob I am than about the quality of these lectures. The blurb describes them as "spell-binding", which made me chuckle - that is, until I started listening and felt the magic. The lecturer tells the stories in a very engaging way. More importantly though, this does feel like it's about as neutral a history telling as one can find.

I was interested to hear the stories of when and why war broke out between specific groups of Native Americans and European settlers. It's valuable to be able to learn about some nuance in separate events that are all-too-often told as a monolith, simplified to absurdity.

I also enjoyed the lectures that focused on societal development, as they helped me see the origins of some aspects of American culture that continue to puzzle me, twenty years into my tenure as a US resident.

Smallpox, 1721 - The Inoculation Controversy tells the origins of the anti-vaccine movement in the US, including the role that young Benjamin Franklin played in it (which he very much regretted later on).

Family Life and Labor in Colonial America points to the beginnings of American disdain for authority (and, to my great chagrin, unwillingness to curtail rude behavior in public spaces when asked).

The Great Awakening tells the story of what made American Christianity so distinct from Europe's.

Witchcraft in New England revealed, to me, many similarities between the Salem witch trials and the Stalinist purges of the 1930s - a similarity that Arthur Miller also found with McCarthyism and captured in The Crucible.

There are 18 hours of lectures here, and I flew through them in 2.5 days. Well worth it, in my opinion.

[Clif Hostetler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening to these twenty-four lectures was an enjoyable way to shore up my knowledge of a historical era of which my knowledge is a bit hazy. The lecturer, Robert J. Allison, successfully balances historical facts with interesting stories to maintain the listener’s interest. I thoroughly enjoyed the lectures.

One of my motives for listening to these lectures was to see what the lecturer said about my Amish ancestors in Pennsylvania during the French-Indian War. There was no mention of them, however the following quotation caught my attention because of its mention of Anabaptists.  The following quotation is making the point that New Amsterdam (later New York) in the 1600s had a unique religious and ethnic diversity not found in the other colonies.

"In 1643 a visiting French priest reported from New Amsterdam that he heard eighteen different languages spoken on the streets of New Amsterdam -- European languages, Indian languages, and African languages.  Most of the whites in the colony incidentally are not Dutch. In 1687 an English governor wrote that ‘New York has a chaplain belonging to the fort of the Church of England, secondly it has a Dutch Calvinist, thirdly a French Calvinist, fourthly a Dutch Lutheran. Here there not be many of the Church of England, few Roman Catholics, abundance of Quakers, preaching men and women especially, ranting Quakers, singing Quakers, Sabbatarians, Anti-Sabbatarians, some Anabaptists, some Independents, some in short of all sorts of opinions there are some, and the most part none at all.’  "

"I found the following quotation interesting. It is Patrick Henry providing closing arguments in a lawsuit trial in which he is questioning the actions of the clergy.

"Do they manifest their zeal in the cause of religion and humanity by practicing the mild and benevolent precepts of the Gospel of Jesus? Do they feed the hungry and clothe the naked? Oh, no, gentlemen! Instead of feeding the hungry and clothing the naked, these rapacious harpies would, were their powers equal to their will, snatch from the hearth of their honest parishioner his last hoe-cake, from the widow and her orphan child their last milch cow! The last bed, nay, the last blanket from the lying-in woman!"

The above is taken from what is commonly referred to as the "Parson's Cause Speech." The jury must have been convinced that this was a correct description of the clergy because the jury reached a verdict for Patrick’s side, and after the trial the jury carried him out of the court house on their shoulders.

Any person interested in history will find these lecturers educational and interesting.

[Brian Eshleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lectures in the Great Courses series rarely compare to considered and careful writing. This one does. The professor has a real knack for following the current of a concept and still swooping in with his hearers to detailed, vivid, exciting scenes that illustrate his point.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

My biggest takeaway from this course was learning about how each of the British colonies sprung up at varying times and for different reasons. The people that settled each of the colonies had dissimilar political views and religions than those from other colonies. There was never an intent for these outposts of the British Empire to be united in any way. It helped me to better understand why the colonies were protective of their own interests above those of American interests during the Revolution and why they had difficulties coming to agreements with each other. This is a 36 lecture course covers the Spanish, French, Dutch, and British settlements and the conflicts that erupted between these groups and the various Native American tribes on whose land they were encroaching. I highly recommend this course for a basic understanding of the pre-Revolutionary era in America.

[Clay Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable series. I never realized how independent each colony was from others in the beginning, or that South Carolina was really a colony of Barbados, more than it was from England directly. Hearing about the diverse religious landscapes in each colony was interesting. It was refreshing to learn about the varied relations the colonists had with various native groups, as well.

[Lily P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audible)
4.5 stars

Knowledgeable series of lectures, each about 30 minutes long that cover the depth and breadth of colonizing the new world.

I've done reading on this historic period but found this compilation invaluable for piecing together the narrow narratives into a larger picture.

I learned about sugar as a cash crop being more influential than tobacco or cotton for generating a market for slaves. Did you know that South Carolina was colonized first by groups from the Barbados? There's impact of African knowledge on growing rice created a new cash crop white settlers knew nothing about. And then there's Georgia the last state to be colonized and originally intended as a buffer between Florida (and Spain) who would free slaves and South Carolina who depended upon slaves for their economy.

Particularly interesting is the author's comprehensive knowledge of the indigenous peoples, their tribes, their allegiances and the changing political minefield during the European wars fought on North American land.

RECOMMEND for history buffs but also for the casually curious who are interested in better understanding our nation, the foundations of our political beliefs and our core values.

[Ryan Mauldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's actually a series of lectures. Some 5 stars in there.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent history of pre-Revolutionary times. Listened free on Audible - would read more by this professor.

[Paul Conroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful course on colonial American history! Detailed, informed and colorful - I’ve learned a lot, so would highly recommend it!

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

The material warrants 4 stars but the narration will remind my contemporaries of a school administrator in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The ensuing distraction persists through 18 hours of otherwise enjoyable history. As I listened to lectures about failed colonies, sixty years of peaceful coexistence between colonists and native americans in the 17th century, and the southern colonies' motives for revolution (note: slavery was fully abolished in Britain in 1774), I realized that most of my prior knowledge of colonial America had come from 1970's era coloring books. The bar was therefore low in my case and these lectures filled in many gaps for me.

[Don Heiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

n 2009 The Teaching Company released Professor Robert Allison’s 36 audio lecture course “Before 1776: Life in the American Colonies.” The lectures are presented in three parts. Part 1 discusses Spain, England, Portuguese, French, German, and Dutch New World settlements. These settlements include territories occupied by Native American tribes, Puritan immigrants, Caribbean natives, and New England “heretics.” The second part course lectures feature presentations about Netherland migrants, the New England uprisings, witchcraft, small pox epidemics, and the European settlements in Louisiana and New France Canadian territories. The part 3 lectures discuss the 13 American settlements, slave trade practices, the religious “Great Awakening, and the events that lead American colonies to form, fight for freedom, and achieve independence from European and British domination. The course guidebook timeline chronicles events from 1415 to 1776. The guidebook also has an outstanding glossary of terms, 28 page annotated biographic notes about individuals who led the conquest of North America, and 134 reading book references. The references also include 35+ internet museum and historical society links. Each of the 36 audio lectures are 30 minutes long, and the course guide has 181 pages. (P)

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great course. It went into depth on history in the English colonies in North America before the American Revolution, including a little bit of the West Indies colonies.

While listening to this, I also began listening to the autobiography of Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa. So much of his experience was living and sailing between the West Indies colonies in the southern colonies, that his story was really enriched by this course. Equiano kept describing what life was like, and it matched up perfectly with the descriptions of what was happening from this course. And when he would mention that a ship from South Carolina were filled with rice, or something like that, I thought “of course it was!“ listening to the course and the memoir together made the whole time period seem much more real.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I waffled between 4 and 5 stars. I was almost going to go with 5 stars, but I was a bit disappointed at the end and since that is the last thing heard, it has the greatest impression. I was surprised at some things he didn't include (like the Boston Massacre and Lexington and Concord) and some of the things he included at their expense (like the Pueblo revolt). During many of the lectures, I was really glad I teach history and was pretty familiar with a lot of what he was saying and could fill in some background details. I'm not sure how much a non-history person would notice some of those details missing, but I was glad I had them. Some of the information was pretty helpful for my classes. These lectures are definitely better listened to at 1.25 speed.

[David Lemont · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the Great Courses to date. The lecturer does a fantastic retelling of history without the romantic narrative of American apologist or with the cynicism of history revisionist. I've only ever come across one other story of the Africans in New England being burned alive without due process, and over a rumor. Even accused witches (agents of the devil in the mind's of colonist) were afforded due process.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good information, but noticed that some of the lectures get cut off at the end. Professor Allison will be talking and all of the sudden the section will end in mid-sentence. Not sure if this is how the lectures are set up or if it due to being through the Overdrive App.

[Astrid Oechtering · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I love History, this was perfect. Perfectly connected things that happened to how this changed minds in the long run and created the basis for today's society. I learned so much and enjoyed the narration as well, as it was very passionate.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

History of American Before the AWI. This course covered a very large period of time in a lot of detail. I learned a lot of new details and added to the details I already knew. I highly recommend this course to everyone!

[Francis X DuFour · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tremendous history of colonial America. I learned so many new facts about early America in a telling that is exciting and reads like a novel. Professor Allen has spun a wonderful story, but its fact, not fiction!

[John Morris ii · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best overarching comprehensive history learning tools. I have ever heard and used! The scope is breathtaking while vividly drawn! This course is a must listen for every soul who loves history!

[Elizabeth Spiehs · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some very interesting moments, but it just didn’t snag me like some of them. Learned some very interesting tid-bits and have a better understanding of the very beginning roots that started us and why.

[Ryk Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting contents, but a somewhat role speaker. This did not have the feeling of a classroom at all, but it's person reading through his or her his. lecture notes. Again, kind of interesting information. Well, with the lesson, but I wish that this would put that together, but differently.

[Zan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the lectures were interesting, but many of them were dry. Not my favorite Great Course.

[Bsldavio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonfiction

[Yaaresse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good course. Loads of information and context. It's on that you can listen to several times and glean more from each time.

[A. Salvatore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well presented, easy to follow, and provides thorough information.

[JP Charter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 Stars

[Lamadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good course, and I really want to relisten so I can remember everything he said.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of viewpoints, interesting listen.

[Graham Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Podcast review to come.

[Timothy DeSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of the colonial era in North America.