Unit 2 AP U.S. history

What is the significance of the period from 1607 to 1754 in U.S. history?

It marks the colonial period in American history, during which various European powers established colonies in North America.

What were the main motivations for European colonization of North America?

Economic interests, religious freedom, and the desire for new land and resources.

What is mercantilism?

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing international trade and building wealth through a favorable balance of exports over imports.

What was the role of religion in the establishment of colonies?

Many colonies were established for the purpose of religious freedom, such as the Puritans in Massachusetts and the Quakers in Pennsylvania.

What was the impact of the First Great Awakening on American society?

It led to a rise in religious fervor and the questioning of established authority, promoting individualism and the growth of various religious denominations.

What were the main conflicts between Native Americans and European settlers during this period?

Conflicts arose over land disputes, resource competition, and differing cultural practices, leading to numerous violent confrontations.

What role did the Transatlantic Slave Trade play in the economy of the colonies?

The Transatlantic Slave Trade provided a labor force for plantations, particularly in the Southern colonies, significantly contributing to their agricultural economy.

How did Enlightenment ideas influence the American colonies?

Enlightenment ideas promoted reason, individual rights, and the questioning of traditional authority, influencing political thought and the push for independence.

What was the significance of the Navigation Acts?

The Navigation Acts were laws that regulated colonial trade, ensuring that trade benefits flowed primarily to England and strengthening British economic control over the colonies.

What were the main features of the Southern colonies during the colonial period?

The Southern colonies were characterized by an agrarian economy focused on cash crops like tobacco and cotton, reliance on slave labor, and a plantation system.

How did colonial governments differ from one another?

Colonial governments varied in structure, with some being royal colonies under direct control of the crown, while others were proprietary or self-governing, reflecting different levels of autonomy.

What was the significance of the French and Indian War (1754-1763)?

The French and Indian War marked a turning point in colonial relations with Britain, leading to increased British debt and subsequent tax measures, fostering colonial discontent.

What was the role of women in colonial society?

Women in colonial society usually managed household duties, supported agricultural work, and played essential roles in the family, though they had limited legal rights.

How did the Great Awakening influence the political landscape of the colonies?

The Great Awakening encouraged a spirit of questioning authority, which laid the groundwork for political dissent and the eventual push for independence from British rule

What economic system was prevalent in the colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries?

Mercantilism, an economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing international trade and building wealth through a favorable balance of exports over imports.

What was the significance of the Proclamation of 1763?

It prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, intended to appease Native Americans and prevent further conflicts, but contributed to colonial dissatisfaction with British rule.

How did the Enlightenment influence colonial governance?

Enlightenment thinkers emphasized natural rights, social contracts, and the idea of government by consent, which influenced colonial attitudes toward self-governance and the desire for independence.

What were the main characteristics of the Middle colonies?

The Middle colonies had a diverse population, fertile land conducive to agriculture, and a mix of economic activities, including farming, commerce, and trade.

What role did indentured servitude play in colonial labor systems?

Indentured servitude provided a labor force for the colonies whereby individuals worked for a number of years in exchange for passage to America, land, or other benefits, which was crucial during the initial