American dream study guide

Poverty Line

The minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country, used to identify individuals and families who are considered to be living in poverty.

The Human Dream

A broader concept that encompasses universal aspirations for well-being, happiness, and fulfillment beyond economic success.

The Dream as a Paradox

The idea that the American Dream, while promoting opportunities for success, can also lead to disillusionment and inequality.

The Dream is Dead

A phrase reflecting the belief that the American Dream has become unattainable or lost its meaning for many individuals.

Colonial Dream

The aspirations of colonists, which included seeking land, wealth, and religious freedom in the New World.

Puritan Dream

The ideal held by Puritans that emphasized living a life of moral integrity, community, and devotion to God.

Native Land & Trade

Refers to the relationship and economic interactions between Native Americans and European settlers, including trade of goods and resources.

African Kingdoms

Refers to the powerful and wealthy kingdoms in Africa that engaged in trade, including the transatlantic slave trade.

Columbus

An Italian explorer credited with the European discovery of the Americas in 1492.

Mercantilism

An economic theory prevalent in the 16th to 18th centuries that emphasized accumulating wealth through trade for the benefit of the mother country.

Triangular Trade

A historical trade system involving the exchange of goods and enslaved people between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Movement of Goods

Refers to the transportation and trade of products between regions, particularly during the colonial period.

Spanish Settlements

Colonies established by Spain in the Americas, characterized by missions and the conversion of Native Americans.

The Black Legend

A term describing the negative portrayal of Spain's colonial practices, particularly the mistreatment of Native Americans.

French Settlements

Colonies established by France, often focused on fur trading and relationships with Native Americans.

Fur Trade

An economic activity centered on the trade of animal pelts, particularly significant in the North American colonial economy.

Dutch Settlements

Colonies established by the Dutch, primarily focused on trade and commerce.

English Settlements

Colonies established by England, which varied by region and included agricultural, commercial, and religious motivations.

Joint-Stock Companies

Business entities where investors pooled resources to fund colonial ventures, sharing profits and risks.

Roanoke Theories

Various hypotheses about the fate of the Roanoke Colony, which mysteriously disappeared in the late 16th century.

John White

The governor of the Roanoke Colony who returned to find the settlement abandoned.

Jamestown

The first permanent English settlement in America, established in 1607, known for its tobacco cultivation.

Tobacco Cash Crops

Crops grown for sale rather than for personal use, with tobacco being a significant cash crop in the Southern Colonies.

Southern Colonies

Colonies known for their agrarian economy, reliant on cash crops and plantation systems.

Econ, Gov, Religion

Refers to the interconnection of economic systems, governance structures, and religious beliefs in shaping colonial life.

Plymouth

The site of the second permanent English settlement in America, established by the Pilgrims in 1620.

John Winthrop

A Puritan leader and the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Massachusetts Bay Colony

A Puritan settlement established in 1630, known for its strong religious community and self-governance.

New England Colonies

The northernmost colonies, characterized by small farms, fishing, and commerce.

Royal Colony

A colony governed directly by the crown, often with appointed governors.

New York

Originally a Dutch settlement (New Amsterdam), it became a major trade center after being taken over by the English.

The Middle Colonies

Colonies known for their diversity in population and economy, often referred to as the 'breadbasket' for their grain production.

Proprietary Colony

A colony owned by an individual or a group, who had full governing rights.

Historic Witch Trials

Refers to events like the Salem Witch Trials, during which individuals were accused of witchcraft.

Probates & Property Values

Legal documents that outline the distribution of a deceased person's property, providing insights into economic conditions and social status.

Income Inequality

The disparity in the distribution of income among individuals or groups within a society.

Wealth Gap

The significant difference in wealth between different groups in society, often divided by race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

New England Colonies

• Massachusetts (includes present-day Maine)

• Connecticut

• Rhode Island

• New Hampshire

Middle Colonies

• New York

• Pennsylvania

• New Jersey

• Delaware

Southern Colonies

• Virginia

• Maryland

• North Carolina

• South Carolina

• Georgia

The 3 countries that form triangular trade

Europe, Africa, and the Americas