Study Guide: Early Exploration and Colonization

New France

Refers to the French territories in North America during the 16th and 17th centuries.

New France- Size of Claim

At its height, New France stretched from Canada down to the Gulf of Mexico, covering a vast area roughly equal to modern-day Canada and the central United States.

French Exploration Timeline

French exploration began in the early 1500s and continued into the 1600s, with significant activities from explorers like Jacques Cartier (1534) and Samuel de Champlain (1608).

Martin Luther

A German theologian and religious reformer whose actions in the early 16th century sparked the Protestant Reformation. His Ninety-Five Theses criticized the Catholic Church's practices.

Feudalism

Social system prevalent in medieval Europe where land was held in exchange for service. Lords owned land, and vassals were granted portions of it in return for military or other services.

Primogeniture

Legal principle where the firstborn child inherits the entire estate, preventing the division of property among siblings.

The Three Estates

The social classes in Medieval France: First Estate: Clergy, Second Estate: Nobility, Third Estate: Commoners (peasants and bourgeoisie).

Spanish Armada

A fleet sent by Spain in 1588 to invade England. The mission failed due to poor planning and adverse weather, marking a significant defeat for Spain and a boost for English naval power.

English vs. Spanish Colonization Plans

The Spanish focused on conquest and extracting resources (gold, silver) through large settlements. In contrast, the English were more interested in establishing permanent colonies and agricultural settlements.

Richard Hakluyt

An English writer and geographer who promoted the colonization of North America through his writings, including 'Principle Navigations,' advocating for exploration and settlement.

Elizabeth I's Role

Queen Elizabeth I supported exploration as a means to expand England's power and influence. She sanctioned expeditions and helped establish privateering, which increased English wealth and naval strength.

Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh

An English sea captain and privateer known for circumnavigating the globe and raiding Spanish ships

An English explorer who sponsored attempts to colonize Virginia and is associated with the failed Roanoke Colony.

Roanoke Arrival Year

The first ships arrived in 1585, establishing the first English colony.

Theories about Roanoke

Three Most Common Theories: Integration with Local Tribes: The colonists may have merged with the Croatoan tribe. Starvation or Disease: The settlers may have perished due to food shortages or illness. Return to England: Some may have tried to return to England but were unsuccessful.

King James I

Ruled from 1603 to 1625, following the death of Elizabeth I.

John White

The Governor of the Roanoke Colony and the grandfather of Virginia Dare. He returned to England for supplies but found the colony deserted upon his return.

Virginia Dare

The first English child born in the New World (Roanoke Colony). Her story is interesting, symbolizing early colonial efforts and the mystery surrounding her fate.

"Croatoan"

The name of a local Native American tribe. An island near Roanoke. A potential clue left by the colonists about their fate or destination.