Looking West (2)

When did English involvement in Caribbean piracy and plunder begin?

1560s

Why did English sailors engage in piracy and plunder in the Caribbean?

To steal Spanish gold/wealth and weaken Spain’s empire

Who was John Hawkins?

English trader and slave trader who helped start England’s slave trade

When did John Hawkins begin slave trading voyages?

1562

Why was John Hawkins significant?

He established England’s role in the transatlantic slave trade

What was the transatlantic slave trade?

Trade of enslaved Africans to the Americas for labour

When did Britain dominate the slave trade?

Late 1600s–1700s

Why was the slave trade significant for Britain?

Generated wealth and boosted ports like Liverpool and Bristol

When was Barbados settled by the English?

1627

Why was Barbados important?

Major sugar colony using enslaved labour

What were the West Indies?

Caribbean colonies controlled by European powers including Britain

Why were sugar plantations significant?

Created wealth but relied on enslaved labour

What was the economic impact of the slave trade on Britain?

Increased trade, profits, and growth of port cities

What was the social impact of the slave trade on Britain?

Linked Britain to slavery and racial inequality

Why did Britain begin colonising North America?

For land, wealth, trade, and religious freedom

Who was Walter Raleigh?

Explorer who attempted early colonisation of America

When did Raleigh attempt to colonise Roanoke?

1585

Why did Roanoke fail?

Lack of supplies and conflict with indigenous people

When was Jamestown founded?

1607

Why was Jamestown significant?

First permanent English settlement in America

What problems did early settlers in Jamestown face?

Starvation, disease, and conflict with indigenous peoples

What were relations like with indigenous peoples?

Mixed—trade and cooperation but also conflict

What commodities made colonies profitable?

Tobacco, sugar, cotton

Who were the Pilgrim Fathers?

Religious group who migrated for freedom

When did the Pilgrim Fathers arrive in America?

1620

Why were the Pilgrim Fathers significant?

Show religious motivations for migration

What were indentured servants?

People who worked for years in exchange for passage to America

Why were indentured servants important?

Provided labour before widespread slavery

When did the War of Independence take place?

1775–1783

Who fought in the War of Independence?

Britain vs American colonists

Why did the War of Independence start?

Taxes, lack of representation, and desire for independence

What was the outcome of the War of Independence?

Britain lost the American colonies

When did Britain officially lose the American colonies?

1783

Why was losing America significant?

End of first British Empire and shift in imperial focus

Who were the Huguenots?

French Protestants who migrated to Britain

When did Huguenot migration peak?

Late 1600s (c.1680s)

Why did Huguenots come to Britain?

Religious persecution in France

Why were Huguenots significant?

Brought skills and boosted the economy

What were the Highland Clearances?

Forced removal of people from Scottish Highlands

When did the Highland Clearances occur?

Late 1700s–early 1800s

Why did the Highland Clearances happen?

Landowners wanted more profitable sheep farming

What was the impact of the Highland Clearances?

Mass migration to cities and overseas

What were the Ulster Plantations?

Settlement of English and Scottish Protestants in Ireland

When did the Ulster Plantations begin?

1609

Why were the Ulster Plantations significant?

Increased British control but caused tension in Ireland