APUSH Chapter 2-5 USHISTORY.ORG

British Colonization

The process of establishing settlements in the New World by the British, which began later than Spain and France due to internal conflicts and Spain's dominance.

Jamestown

The first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607 by the Virginia Company of London.

Queen Elizabeth I

The English monarch who supported privateers and exploration, increasing interest in colonization.

Joint-Stock Companies

Investment groups that allowed multiple investors to share the risks and rewards of colonization, crucial for English settlement efforts.

Virginia Company

A joint-stock company that founded Jamestown, initially focused on finding gold but later shifted to tobacco cultivation.

Tobacco

A lucrative crop discovered in Virginia that spurred economic growth and increased labor demands in the colonies.

Indentured Servants

Individuals who worked for a set number of years in exchange for passage to America and eventual freedom, crucial for labor in the colonies.

Pilgrims

English settlers who established Plymouth Colony in 1620, motivated by religious goals and seeking to create a society based on Calvinist beliefs.

Mayflower Compact

An early governing document created by the Pilgrims that established self-governance and democratic principles in Plymouth Colony.

Massachusetts Bay Colony

Established in 1630, it aimed to be a model of Christian living and was characterized by rapid growth and religious zeal.

Puritans

A religious group that sought to reform the Church of England and established communities in New England, emphasizing education and strict religious practices.

Fundamental Orders

The first written constitution in the Western Hemisphere, enacted in Connecticut in 1639, allowing broader political participation.

Middle Colonies

A region characterized by ethnic and religious diversity, including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, known for agriculture and trade.

New Netherland

A Dutch colony established in 1623, later seized by the English and renamed New York, known for its fur trade and diverse population.

Pennsylvania

Founded by William Penn as a refuge for Quakers, promoting religious freedom and peaceful relations with Native Americans.

Benjamin Franklin

An influential American figure known for his contributions to science, diplomacy, and publishing, exemplifying American ingenuity.

Southern Colonies

Regions like Virginia and Maryland that focused on cash crops and relied on indentured servants and enslaved Africans for labor.

Headright System

A land grant system that incentivized the importation of laborers to expand tobacco production in the colonies.

Bacon’s Rebellion

A 1676 uprising in Virginia that highlighted tensions between landowners and indentured servants, leading to a shift towards African slavery.

Unique American Identity

The result of economic aspirations, religious motivations, and diverse cultural influences that shaped the development of the American colonies.