Colonial America Geography, Settlement, and Slavery

Flashcards reviewing colonial geographic regions, trade routes, religious discrimination, and the forced migration and contributions of enslaved Africans.

Expansion of European Settlements

The territorial spread of European colonists that led to the movement and displacement of Natives/American Indians.

Cash Crops

Labor-intensive agricultural products whose farming led to the forced migration and enslavement of Africans to the Southern colonies more than any other region.

Catholics (Colonial Period)

A religious minority prohibited from living in Georgia because Protestants feared they would assist Spain, a Catholic country with whom Protestants had fought in Europe.

Quakers

A group that believed all people were equal, presenting a threat to those who supported a hierarchy and slavery, which made them unwelcome in many colonies.

Jewish People (Colonial Period)

A minority group disallowed in many colonies due to European prejudice, but allowed to live in the Middle colonies.

Triangular Trade & Mercantilism Routes

Colonial trade networks connecting the Thirteen Colonies, The Caribbean, Europe, and West Africa.

Three Colonial Regions

The geographic divisions of the original thirteen English colonies, consisting of the New England Colonies, Middle Colonies, and Southern Colonies.

Middle Passage

The transatlantic voyage from Africa to the Americas undertaken by enslaved Africans under harsh conditions.

Race-based Slavery

The practice of forced migration and enslavement of Africans that contributed significantly to colonial economic development.

Plantation Wealth Generation

The process by which enslaved Africans used their farming skills to work on plantations and generate wealth for plantation owners.

African Cultural Contributions

The customs, beliefs, and specialized agricultural skills (such as cultivating rice) brought by enslaved Africans to the American colonies.

Rice Cultivation

A specific agricultural skill and knowledge brought by enslaved Africans that was essential to the economic development of the colonies.