13 Colonies Chart

A set of flashcards covering the key facts about each of the 13 colonies: founding dates, motives, economies/governments, key figures, and notable events or conflicts.

When and by whom was Virginia founded, and what was the first enduring settlement?

Founded in 1607 by the Virginia Company; Jamestown was the first enduring settlement.

What were the two waves of settlement in Massachusetts and what did each seek?

Pilgrims in 1620 seeking religious refuge; Puritans in 1630 seeking religious reform and a strict, orderly society.

What was the Mayflower Compact and its significance?

A self-government agreement by the Pilgrims (1620) establishing majority rule and local governance.

New Hampshire: founders and economy?

Founded in 1623 by John Mason and Sir Fernando Gorges; led by John Wheelwright from Mass; economy included fishing, fur, timber, and whaling; royal colony under the crown.

Maryland: purpose for founding and religious policy?

Founded in 1634 by Lord Baltimore as a Catholic refuge; 1648 Act of Religious Toleration for Christians; later conflicts between Protestants and Catholics.

What were the key milestones in Virginia in 1619?

Headright system for land; 1619 first enslaved Africans arrive; establishment of the House of Burgesses as the first legislative body.

What were the major challenges faced by Virginia?

Harsh first winter; swampy land, mosquitoes and malaria; malnutrition; labor shortages; and conflicts with Native Americans.

Massachusetts: who were the leaders and what was notable about the society?

Leaders included William Bradford (governor), John Winthrop (governor); Miles Standish; society was very strict and intolerant of other religions; Salem Witch Trials occurred in 1692.

Connecticut: what is the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut?

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were the first written constitution in the colonies; Thomas Hooker led Puritan settlement.

Rhode Island: core principles and founders?

Founded by Roger Williams; emphasized separation of church and state and religious freedom; no taxes to support churches; Anne Hutchinson associated with Mass. conflict.

Delaware: origins and economy?

Originally a Dutch colony; taken over by the English in 1638; separated from Pennsylvania in 1703; economy included fur trading, iron, ore, timber and manufacturing; named after Lord De La Warr.

Carolinas: formation and key economic activities?

Founded 1663; split into North and South in 1712; economy based on rice and indigo; strong ties to Barbados and other Caribbean islands; early challenges recruiting settlers; Native American conflicts; founder Anthony Ashley Cooper; King Charles II supported colonization.

New Jersey: origin and economy?

Originally a Dutch colony, taken over by the English in 1664; economy included wheat and fur trade; founder George Carteret; land disputes with the Dutch.

New York: origin and policy?

Originally a Dutch colony; taken over by the English in 1664; religious toleration; economy included wheat and fur; founded by the Duke of York (James II).

Pennsylvania: purpose, society, and key features?

Founded in 1681 by William Penn as a haven for Quakers; the Holy Experiment; diverse population; separation of church/state; economy included wheat and corn; established Philadelphia; Quakers were pacifists and tolerant.

Georgia: purpose and early rules?

Founded 1732 as a buffer to Spanish Florida; refuge for the poor and debtors; initially ruled strictly by James Oglethorpe; no African slavery until 1750; crops included rice, indigo, and sugar; faced Native American conflicts.

Fill in the blank: The first self-government agreement of the Plymouth colony was the __.

Mayflower Compact

Vocabulary: Puritans were a religious group known for what beliefs?

Non-separatists seeking to reform the Church of England and establish a disciplined, religiously strict society in New England.

Vocabulary: Quakers were a religious group known for what beliefs?

Pacifists who refused to support the Church of England, promoted religious tolerance, and led a simple, peaceful lifestyle.

Which Massachusetts event in 1692 signified mass hysteria related to witchcraft?

Salem Witch Trials