British North America: Glorious Revolution to Albany Plan of Union (Review Flashcards)

A set of practice flashcards covering key events, terms, and figures from the Glorious Revolution through the Albany Plan of Union, with a focus on early British North American society, slavery, religion, and mercantilist policy.

What was John Peter Zenger accused of, and why is his case significant in colonial newspapers?

Accused of libel against the governor of New York; his trial helped introduce the idea of freedom of speech in the colonies.

What does libel mean in the Zenger case, and how did Zenger defend himself?

A false statement intended to defame; Zenger argued his statements were true and not defamatory.

Why did colonists name their region New England, and what motives influenced settlement?

Reflecting pride in being English; settlement driven by economic, religious, or overpopulation motives.

How did colonial unity develop despite being 13 independent governments?

Distrust of Britain fostered intercolonial communication and cooperation, making them feel more American and less tied to Britain.

What is the connection between the Glorious Revolution and the Rights of Englishmen?

Glorious Revolution (1689) reinforced ideas of English rights and limited monarchy; influenced colonial notions of rights.

What was the Glorious Revolution, and who came to power as a result?

A bloodless overthrow of King James II; power transferred to William and Mary, asserting Protestant rule.

Who were the monarchs that followed James II, and what did they promote in England and North America?

King William and Queen Mary, who were strong Protestants and aimed to enforce Protestantism.

What are natural rights, who articulated them, and how did they apply to the Glorious Revolution?

Life, liberty, and property as inherent rights; John Locke argued for them and justified resisting unjust governments.

How did Enlightenment ideas influence colonial thinking during this period?

Enlightenment thinkers like Locke spread ideas of natural rights, influencing colonists’ views on government and rebellion.

Why did indentured servitude decline as slavery rose after Bacon’s Rebellion?

Indentured servants were seen as potentially rebellious; Africans were viewed as more controllable due to language and literacy differences.

What is Bacon’s Rebellion, and how did it influence race-based slavery?

A 1676 rebellion in Virginia that led leaders to prefer African slaves over white indentured servants to reduce uprisings.

What distinguishes the 'first generation' from 'later generations' of African slaves in North America?

First generation: west coast Africans with some familiarity of Europeans; later generations: interior Africans with less contact, more dehumanization.

What is the Middle Passage?

The brutal voyage from Africa to the Americas in the triangular trade, during which slaves were branded, cramped, and transported for weeks.

Who wrote about the Middle Passage, and why is their work important?

Olaudah Equiano (Orlandah Equiano) wrote about the experiences; his literacy helped spread awareness of the slave trade.

What was the Stono Rebellion of 1739, and where did it take place?

A slave rebellion in South Carolina (Stono); about 60 slaves attempted to flee to Florida, resulting in a clash and harsher laws.

What did Spain offer enslaved Africans during the Stono era, and why?

Freedom to escape to Florida if they converted to Catholicism, used to weaken Britain’s labor force.

How did urban slavery in New York differ from rural slavery, according to the notes?

Urban slavery involved more domestic work and market contact; slaves were treated as property and people feared Enlightenment ideas would apply to them.

What were the consequences of the 1741 fires in New York regarding slavery?

Governor George Clarke suspected slaves of arson, executing 30 and sending 84 to Jamaica; heightened fear of rebellion.

What caused the Salem witch trials, and who was blamed?

Cold, harsh winter and food shortage; girls accused Tituba and others of witchcraft; widespread fear and accusations followed.

What tests were used to identify witches in Salem, and what was the outcome?

A swimming test; those who sank were not witches, while those who floated/drowned were suspected; about 20 executed at times cited.

What was the First Great Awakening, and who were two key preachers?

A series of religious revivals aiming to revive church attendance; Jonathan Edwards (Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God) and George Whitefield (outdoor preaching).

How did the Great Awakening affect American society and notions of democracy?

Expanded religious participation across social classes, contributing to democratic ideals and unity, including among enslaved people.

What is mercantilism, and how does it differ from capitalism?

Mercantilism sees wealth as finite and emphasizes exporting more than importing; colonies serve the mother country. Capitalism sees wealth as potentially unlimited and emphasizes individual opportunity.

How did the Navigation Acts exemplify mercantilism?

Colonies could sell mainly to Britain and buy manufactured goods only from Britain, keeping wealth within the empire.

What is the Triangle Trade, and which goods were exchanged?

A system linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas; Africa sent slaves to the Americas; Americas sent raw materials (sugar, tobacco, cotton) to Europe; manufactured goods moved among regions.

What is the Albany Plan of Union, who proposed it, and what happened?

Benjamin Franklin proposed uniting colonies under one president for defense and coordination; it was rejected by both the colonies and London.

What were the major colonial wars between 1689 and 1815, and who were they fought against?

King William’s War, Queen Anne’s War, War of Jenkins’ Ear, King George’s War; fought primarily against France and Spain with Native alliances.

What is salutary neglect and how did it affect the colonies?

British policy of lax enforcement during wars, allowing colonial governments and economies to grow more independent.

What was the Act of Union (1707) and how did it affect colonial identity?

Union of England and Scotland forming Britain (Ireland later involved); colonies began to feel more American than English, identities shifted.

How did Eliza Lucas contribute to colonial economy, and why is she notable?

Eliza Lucas managed a plantation and slaves and pioneered indigo cultivation, a major colonial cash crop and contributor to textile markets.

What role did Cotton Mather play in colonial urban growth?

Promoted smallpox vaccination, which helped urban populations grow and stabilize in port cities.