What does zinn’s chapter suggest about the social mobility in colonial america? who had the best chances to get ahead? the worst? what is his best evidence?

Social mobility was limited.

People who came early settled well.

People migrated later did not enjoy the same perks.

Explanation:

During the colonial times in the United States, social mobility was in an uncertain state. By 1770, only 1 percent of the rich had the ownership of at least 44% of land. The population who settled in America early were better off. For food, they had corn to eat and they could easily rely on tobacco for their financial well-being.  They had access to money which was largely spent on luxury items such as fancy home decor goods, self-portraits, and slaves. People who migrated to America some time later did not get a chance to enjoy as much as the ones who settled early. These people needed work to be able to afford basic necessities and they were often hired as servants. In order to provide evidence, Howard uses original work.

Howard Zinn explained that social mobility in colonial America was limited. People who arrived early at the colonies settled satisfactory, meanwhile, the people who migrated later did not have the same opportunity.

EXPLANATION:  

The Colonial Society structure was classified by the social class of each of the invaders. The early American invaders had immigrated from Europe were strict social classes existed, and although America was a land of opportunity, the social structures are ridden by this class were introduced into America and established the Colonial Society.  

The most crucial factor that classified which class someone came from in America was wealth. People who might associate with, as in Europe, were also firstly classified by education, class, family background (influence and power) and social status. There was a strong tendency, specifically among those in the Southern Colonies to imitate British society. In the Colonial Society, social life and contacts would be with people of the same social class.

The Colonial Society structure was initially based on British society—the old ways brought in from the old European countries. However, as the population in the settlements in North America increased, so did the regulations for inclusion in the Colonial Society. Changes in population in 18th Century Colonial America were as follows:

•Colonial Society: In 1700, there were less than 300,000 inhabitants

•The ratio of British inhabitants to other invaders: 20 to 1

•Colonial Society: In 1775, there were 2.5 million inhabitants

•The ratio of British inhabitants to other occupiers dropped dramatically to 3 to 1

•Colonial Society: The largest colonies were Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and North Carolina

•Colonial Society: 90% of all of the inhabitants live in rural areas and worked in agriculture

•Colonial Society: There were only 4 big cities: New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Charleston

•Colonial Society: 80% of the total continental emigration of Britain to America before the Revolutionary War were Mandatory Civil Servants

•Colonial Society: 20% of North America's population were slaves

•90% of slaves were in the South

LEARN MORE:  

If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, we recommend you to also take a look at the following questions:

•During the colonial period, most of the slaves sent to the North American colonies were supplied by the?

•Who sponsored an attempt to settle Virginia with English colonists in 1587??

KEYWORDS: Colonial America, Howard Zinn

Subject  : History

Class  : 7-9

Sub-Chapter: American History