Colonial Society, 1607–1754

Reports of separate social gatherings for women at the time of town meetings

Early colonial advocacy literature promoting gender equality

Accounts of women's limited interest in political matters during the colonial period

Legal records explicitly barring women from town meetings

French influence grew as settlers sought protection through alliances.

Settlements contracted due to fears of continued Native American attacks.

Migration shifted towards the Southern colonies seeking greater security.

Expansion into Native American lands increased after Native power was weakened.

Concerns regarding the influence of European enlightenment ideas on colonial governance

Worries about the economic impact of mercantilist policies on colonial defense capabilities

Fears of servile insurrection and heavy reliance on indentured servants for defense

Anxiety over potential alliances between Native Americans and foreign powers

Through tax incentives for exporting crops like tobacco back to England.

By providing military protection against Native American raids for new settlers.

By granting land to individuals who paid for their own or others' passage to America.

By offering religious freedom to settlers regardless of their denomination.

High mortality rates due to tropical diseases encountered there.

Large numbers of single young men seeking wealth through mineral extraction.

Family migration leading to relatively stable communities.

Widespread use of indentured servants for labor needs instead of family units.

There might have been less racialized class stratification.

More democratic systems may have emerged sooner.

Plantation owners would have experienced greater wealth accumulation.

It would have led to a higher indigenous population.

Documents showing John Goodnow's significant roles in town governance

Historic maps demonstrating Sudbury's territorial growth during Goodnow’s time

Statistical records detailing demographic changes in Sudbury from 1639 to 1656

Records indicating land grants to individuals besides John Goodnow in Sudbury

The enduring support for territorial expansion across North America

The persistent influence of mercantilism on economic policy

The sustained commitment to religious liberty and diversity

The gradual centralization of federal authority over time

An English-based legal system.

Independence from Britain's rule during the period under review.

Religious tolerance for all faiths.

A shared cultural identity with Native Americans.

Contract-based labor expanded as settlers demanded fixed terms for their service instead of open-ended bondage.

African chattel slavery grew as planters sought a less rebellious labor force than indentured servants from Europe.

A feudal-like system developed that relied on tenant farming arrangements with landowners.

Indentured servitude continued unabated given its deep roots in Virginia's tobacco economy.