AP U.S. History Unit 1 Guided Reading Assignment

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and terms from the lecture notes on early American colonies, focusing on the challenges faced, motivations for settlement, and social structures.

Jamestown Colony

The first permanent English settlement in America, established in 1607, known for its struggles with poor location, disease, and relations with Native Americans.

Malaria

A mosquito-borne infectious disease that caused high mortality rates among colonists in Jamestown due to their poor choice of settlement location.

Separatists

A group of English Protestants who sought religious freedom from the Church of England and initially settled in the Dutch Republic before migrating to America.

Puritans

A religious group that wanted to purify the Church of England and established multiple colonies for a haven from religious persecution.

Rhode Island

Founded by Roger Williams after his banishment from Massachusetts, it was intended to provide religious freedom and separate church from the state.

Indentured servitude

A labor system where individuals agreed to work for a certain number of years in exchange for passage to America and basic necessities.

Midwives

Experienced women who assisted in childbirth and played a crucial role in maternal health as the male-dominated medical field was often inadequate.

Racism

The belief in the superiority of one race over another, which some historians argue arose as a justification for the institution of slavery.

Society of Friends

Also known as Quakers, they were influenced by the teachings of George Fox and promoted early ideals of equality, including women as preachers.

Religious Motives for Colonization

Various colonies were established for reasons such as seeking religious freedom, escaping persecution, or creating separate communities away from established church influences.