APUSH Periods 1 & 2

Columbian Exchange

The exchange of crops and diseases between the Old World and the New World that began with Columbus's discovery of the Americas.

Encomienda System

A labor system that granted Spanish settlers the right to demand labor from Native Americans in exchange for Christianization.

Smallpox

A disease that decimated the Native American population, killing nearly 90% due to lack of immunity.

Bartolome De las Casas

A friar who criticized the cruelty of the Spanish systems and popularized the concept of the 'Black Legend'.

Jamestown

The first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607 by a joint stock company.

Anglo-Powhatan War

A series of conflicts between English settlers in Virginia and the Powhatan Confederacy.

Headright System

A system where a land grant was given to those who sponsored indentured servants, encouraging settlement in Virginia.

Virginia House of Burgesses

The first representative assembly in the American colonies, established in 1619.

Plymouth Colony

Established in 1620 by Separatist Pilgrims who sought religious freedom, known for the Mayflower Compact.

Maryland Colony

Founded in 1632 as a haven for Catholics under Lord Baltimore.

Roger Williams

Banished from Massachusetts for advocating separation of church and state and fair treatment of Native Americans, he founded Rhode Island.

Anne Hutchinson

A Puritan woman who was banished for heresy, claiming to have received revelations from God.

Fundamental Orders

The first written constitution in America, establishing a framework for government in Connecticut.

New England Confederation

Formed in 1643 for collective security among New England colonies against threats.

Navigation Laws

Regulations under mercantilism aimed at enriching the mother country and limiting colonial trade.

Bacon's Rebellion

A rebellion in 1676 by freed indentured servants against Virginia's governor due to land and protection issues.

Dominion of New England

An attempt by England in 1686 to centralize control over the New England colonies, led by Sir Edmund Andros.

Salem Witch Trials

A series of hearings in 1693 for accusations of witchcraft that ended due to social disruption.

Great Awakening

A religious revival of the 1730s and 1740s characterized by fiery sermons and challenged authority.

Zenger Trial

A landmark trial in 1733 that established precedent for freedom of the press in America.