Political Life in Eighteenth-Century Virginia. Essays from Colonial Williamsburg. The Foundations of America.

This book explores the history of the Virginia colony from the early 18th century to the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Virginia, the oldest and most prosperous of Great Britain's North American colonies, assumed a leading role in the political life of the colonies. Some in 17th century Virginia had seen political involvement as a means of protecting their personal property while enriching themselves further. Between 1680 and 1730 political life in Virginia became more stable. Prominent families began to consolidate their economic, social, and political positions, and came to dominate civil and religious life. Leaders in the earlier part of the century embodied a faith in unanimity, moderation, loyalty, virtue, and personal independence. The middle of the century brought a perceived moral decline and life of luxury bankrolled by growing debts to Britain. At the same time, the colonies began to come into conflict with the mother country over taxation. Virginia's contributions to the independent United States underscore the vitality and effectiveness of its 18th century political system. The book includes a pamphlet of teacher's notes, which contains a brief overview, an explanation of key terms, and six ideas for discussion and activities. (SG)