Final answer:
From 1603 to 1868, life was rough and varied widely, with serfs and slaves facing severe challenges like poor sanitation, insufficient food, and constant health risks. Colonists in the Americas dealt with extreme weather, political turmoil, and the establishment of new colonies. Notably, these periods also witnessed great adversity and transformation across societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Living conditions between 1603 and 1868 varied greatly depending on location, class, and time period. The daily experience of a serf was harsh, with life expectancy seldom surpassing forty-five years due to poor sanitation and lack of medicine. Homes frequently consisted of one- or two-room hovels that were cold, and smoky from the ever-present fire hazard, impacting health and eyesight.
In the Americas, colonists grappled with challenges such as the Starving Time in Jamestown, and the constant struggle between the need for survival and maintaining ties with loved ones. Some periods, like the time between 1640 and 1660 in England, were marked by political chaos with the execution of a king and the rise of Oliver Cromwell. Despite these challenges, the colonies managed to survive and grow, with new regions like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Carolinas being founded.
Slavery posed its own harsh realities. Individuals like Frederick Douglass faced hunger and cruelty, and the difficult decision between enduring the bonds of slavery or seeking a perilous path to freedom. The life of a serf, colonist, or slave was fraught with difficulty, significant dangers, and fundamental challenges to everyday existence.