The British Atlantic World (1660-1750)

These flashcards cover key concepts and events related to the British Atlantic World from 1660-1750, including colonial governance, social structures, economic systems, and the experiences of enslaved Africans.

What happened to New Netherlands in 1664?

The Dutch surrendered without firing a shot and it was renamed New York.

Who was William Penn and what did the Quakers believe?

William Penn was the founder of Pennsylvania, and the Quakers believed all were children of God, were pacifists, and refused to pay taxes to the Church of England.

What were the key aspects of the government and society in Pennsylvania?

No restrictions on immigration, no slavery, blue laws regulating morality, representative democracy, and freedom of worship.

What introduced the plantation system in the Carolinas?

Strong economic ties to the West Indies introduced the plantation system focusing on crops like rice and indigo.

What characterized North Carolina's emergence as a colony?

It had poor farmers, religious dissenters, a hospitable attitude towards pirates, and a strong spirit of resistance to authority.

What was the purpose of Georgia as a colony?

Georgia was a buffer colony and a haven for debtors, developed strict rules like no alcohol and land restrictions.

What were the effects of the Navigation Acts on American merchants?

American merchants sought markets beyond England, leading to the growth of America's economy outside British control.

What were the main industries in the Northern economy?

The Northern economy was diverse, focusing on fur, lumber, mining, fishing, and livestock.

What was the social structure of the Northern colonies?

The upper class consisted of merchants, the middle class included artisans and shopkeepers, and the lowest class was laborers.

What impact did the plantation system have on Southern society?

It led to a social gap, with large landowners dominating politically and socially, while small farmers made up the largest social group.

What were the effects of high mortality rates in the Southern colonies?

A 6:1 male to female ratio, many widowed women, and women gaining more authority, as they could inherit money and manage farms.

Who were the main players in Bacon's Rebellion?

Nathaniel Bacon and Governor William Berkeley were key figures, with Bacon leading the rebellion against corrupt governance and Indian relations.

What was the legacy of Bacon's Rebellion?

It inspired poor people to rebel and led planters to search for a more stable labor source, namely black slaves.

How was slavery defined in the 1700s, particularly in the context of the Atlantic system?

Slavery became defined in racial terms and was essential to the Atlantic system, where raw materials from the Americas supported mercantilism.

What conditions did Africans face during the Middle Passage?

They endured horrific conditions, and slavery in North America was defined racially, though less brutal than in the Caribbean.

What restrictions were placed on enslaved Africans in Virginia?

Slave codes prohibited reading and writing, and they could not testify in court.

How did African American communities begin to form despite restrictions?

High population numbers and owners encouraging marriage allowed family groups to build traditions and knowledge.

What was a form of resistance by enslaved individuals?

Forms of resistance included working slowly, breaking tools, and stealing.

What happened to New Netherlands in 1664?

The Dutch surrendered without firing a shot and it was renamed New York.

Who was granted the territory of New Netherland by the English King after its capture?

The Duke of York.

Who was William Penn and what did the Quakers believe?

William Penn was the founder of Pennsylvania, and the Quakers believed all were children of God, were pacifists, and refused to pay taxes to the Church of England.

What were the key aspects of the government and society in Pennsylvania?

No restrictions on immigration, no slavery, blue laws regulating morality, representative democracy, and freedom of worship.

What were "blue laws" in colonial Pennsylvania?

Strict laws regulating morality, often influenced by Quaker beliefs.

What introduced the plantation system in the Carolinas?

Strong economic ties to the West Indies introduced the plantation system focusing on crops like rice and indigo.

What characterized North Carolina's emergence as a colony?

It had poor farmers, religious dissenters, a hospitable attitude towards pirates, and a strong spirit of resistance to authority.

What was the purpose of Georgia as a colony?

Georgia was a buffer colony and a haven for debtors, developed strict rules like no alcohol and land restrictions.

What were the effects of the Navigation Acts on American merchants?

American merchants sought markets beyond England, leading to the growth of America's economy outside British control.

What was the primary economic goal of the English Navigation Acts?

To ensure that colonial trade enriched England by channeling raw materials to Britain and restricting colonial manufacturing and trade with other nations.

What were the main industries in the Northern economy?

The Northern economy was diverse, focusing on fur, lumber, mining, fishing, and livestock.

What was the social structure of the Northern colonies?

The upper class consisted of merchants, the middle class included artisans and shopkeepers, and the lowest class was laborers.

What impact did the plantation system have on Southern society?

It led to a social gap, with large landowners dominating politically and socially, while small farmers made up the largest social group.

What were the effects of high mortality rates in the Southern colonies?

A 6:1 male to female ratio, many widowed women, and women gaining more authority, as they could inherit money and manage farms.

Who were the main players in Bacon's Rebellion?

Nathaniel Bacon and Governor William Berkeley were key figures, with Bacon leading the rebellion against corrupt governance and Indian relations.

What was the legacy of Bacon's Rebellion?

It inspired poor people to rebel and led planters to search for a more stable labor source, namely black slaves.

How was slavery defined in the 1700s, particularly in the context of the Atlantic system?

Slavery became defined in racial terms and was essential to the Atlantic system, where raw materials from the Americas supported mercantilism.

What conditions did Africans face during the Middle Passage?

They endured horrific conditions, and slavery in North America was defined racially, though less brutal than in the Caribbean.

What was the term for the brutal voyage that brought enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas?

The Middle Passage.

What restrictions were placed on enslaved Africans in Virginia?

Slave codes prohibited reading and writing, and they could not testify in court.

How did African American communities begin to form despite restrictions?

High population numbers and owners encouraging marriage allowed family groups to build traditions and knowledge.

What was a form of resistance by enslaved individuals?

Forms of resistance included working slowly, breaking tools, and stealing.