US History to 1877 (HY 135) Exam 2 Study Guide

Sex and Race Relations in a Southern Colony, 1681

What claim is Katherine Watkins making in her testimony?  What do most of the other witnesses say?

A woman claims that a Mulatto man assaulted her in the woods by force, using a handkerchief to silence her, and that she cried out but didn’t report it immediately due to illness and her husband’s reluctance. Most witnesses describe a woman who was drinking, joking, and behaving intimately with enslaved men, suggesting her actions were consensual or even encouraging.

Sex and Race Relations in a Southern Colony, 1681

How is Katherine different from the others giving testimony?  Why might she suppose that the court will believe her?

The person making the accusation is a white woman, while most witnesses are white men or lower-status individuals reporting on her behavior with enslaved men. As a white woman in colonial Virginia, she may expect her word to carry more weight than that of enslaved men or servants.

Sex and Race Relations in a Southern Colony, 1681

Based on this document, characterize the relationship between people in this colony.  How do they seem to relate to one another?

Social and racial hierarchies dominate relationships—white individuals hold power over Black and indentured people, and accusations reflect deep inequalities and suspicion across racial lines.

John Winthrop, "A Model of Christian Charity", 1630

How does Winthrop characterize the proper relationships between members of society? Why might this idea have been controversial in Europe?

People have different roles (rich/poor, powerful/lowly) to help each other and stay united in love and support. It challenged the idea that wealth or power made someone better than others—he said those roles exist for the common good, not for personal glory.

John Winthrop, "A Model of Christian Charity", 1630

What role should God and faith play in their society? What is the Puritan "mission" to America?

Faith and obedience to God should guide everything. People must live morally and work together for God’s glory. To build a godly community, like a “city upon a hill,” as an example to the world. If they fail, they’ll face God’s punishment.

John Winthrop, "A Model of Christian Charity", 1630

Where or how do you see echoes of Winthrop's ideas in later American society?

In the belief that America should be a moral example to others—a leader in values and purpose, often called “American exceptionalism.”

Examination of Anne Hutchinson, 1637

Of what was Hutchinson accused? Why is she critical of her colony's leaders?

She was accused of disturbing the peace of the colony, holding unauthorized religious meetings, promoting controversial religious opinions, and dishonoring the colony’s ministers. She believed many ministers preached a “covenant of works” instead of a “covenant of grace,” and she claimed to receive direct revelations from God.

Examination of Anne Hutchinson, 1637

Why would Hutchinson be considered a special threat to the community? Why was dissent problematic in the Puritan settlements? (Compare with Winthrop)

She challenged religious authority, claimed spiritual insight from God, and influenced others—especially women—outside of male-controlled church structures. Puritan society was based on unity and religious conformity; dissent threatened the community’s stability and its covenant with God.

Gottlieb Mittelberger on the misfortune of indentured servants, ca. 1750

According to the document, how was Mittelberger's fate different from that of most indentured servants?

He came as a free man to work as a schoolmaster and organist, then returned to Germany, while most others were indentured and sold into years of labor.

Gottlieb Mittelberger on the misfortune of indentured servants, ca. 1750

What are some of the hardships that people suffer aboard ship on their journey to America? How did people on board ship try to deal with these hardships?

Overcrowding, disease, bad food and water, storms, seasickness, lice, and death. They prayed, sang, held religious services, and supported each other emotionally.

Gottlieb Mittelberger on the misfortune of indentured servants, ca. 1750

What seems to be the fate of especially women and children?

Women often died during childbirth and were thrown into the sea; most children under 7 did not survive the trip.

Gottlieb Mittelberger on the misfortune of indentured servants, ca. 1750

Why does arrival in America not mean the end of hardships for the indentured servants?  What indignities do they continue to suffer?

Those who couldn’t pay their passage were sold as servants and often separated from family. Being sold like cattle, separated from family, forced to serve for many years, and treated harshly.

The Mayflower Compact, 1620

What part of Colonial America did the Mayflower passengers think they had come to? (Where did they actually land?)

They thought they had landed in northern Virginia. Cape Cod (present-day Massachusetts).

The Mayflower Compact, 1620

Upon whose authority did the authors of the Compact claim the right to organize a local "government"?

God and King James.

The Mayflower Compact, 1620

According to the Compact, why had the Pilgrims made their journey?

For the glory of God, to advance the Christian faith, and to honor their King and country.

From servitude to slavery: Colonial laws

Looking at these laws, what were some of the "rights" that a white person could expect that a slave (or black person) could not?

White people could own weapons and had legal protection; Black people were denied these rights and could be enslaved.

From servitude to slavery: Colonial laws

According to Maryland law, if a free English (white) woman married a slave, what happened to her freedom and that of her children?

She became a slave for her husband’s lifetime, and their children were born into slavery.

From servitude to slavery: Colonial laws

How did Christian baptism impact (or not impact) the freedom of children and slaves?

No, baptism did not change a person’s status as a slave.

From servitude to slavery: Colonial laws

According to the 1682 law, who could be enslaved - and just as importantly, who could NOT be enslaved?

Non-Christians from Africa, Asia, or Native tribes could be enslaved. People from Christian backgrounds could not be enslaved.

Jacob Steendem, In Praise of New Netherland, 1661

New Netherland generally refers to what contemporary state or region of the U.S.?

New York and parts of New Jersey and Delaware.

Jacob Steendem, In Praise of New Netherland, 1661

What are some examples of nature's "bounty" to be found in New Netherland?  Why would this land be good for both rich and poor?

Lots of birds, wild animals, fish, oysters, and forests. It had plenty of natural resources and land for farming and living.

Jacob Steendem, In Praise of New Netherland, 1661

Do you think that Steendem was being literal?  Why would he and other writers paint such rosy pictures of North America?

No, he was exaggerating. To attract settlers and make the colony seem like a land of opportunity.

Champlain Introduces Firearms to Indian Warfare

What seems to be Champlain's attitude toward his Indian allies?  How does he seemingly manipulate Native beliefs?

He saw them as useful partners but manipulated their beliefs to keep their trust and boost their courage.

Champlain Introduces Firearms to Indian Warfare

Why did some of these Native Americans cooperate with Champlain?  What does this account suggest about dependency between Indians and the French?

They wanted his help, especially with his powerful guns, in fighting their enemies. It shows mutual dependency—Natives needed weapons, and the French needed allies.

Champlain Introduces Firearms to Indian Warfare

Should we consider Champlain a reliable source?  Why or why not?

Not completely—he may exaggerate to make himself look brave and justify French actions.

Boston Tea Party / Intolerable Acts

A protest involving destruction of imported goods led to harsh laws that restricted local government and increased tensions with Britain.

Declaration of Independence

A formal statement issued in 1776 that justified separating from Britain by listing grievances and outlining ideas about natural rights.

Thomas Paine, Common Sense & The Crisis

A writer used clear language to encourage breaking ties with Britain and later boosted morale during difficult moments in the war.

Judith Sargent Murray

An early voice who argued that women were equally capable of reasoning and deserved access to education.

Loyalists

People in the colonies who sided with the British government and often faced threats, violence, or exile after the conflict.

Lemuel Haynes / Freedom Petitions

A formerly enslaved man who used Revolutionary language to argue that Black people deserved liberty and equal treatment.

Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations

An economist who supported free competition and believed economies worked best when governments stayed out of business decisions.

Abigail Adams / Republican Motherhood

A woman who promoted the idea that raising informed and virtuous children was a key duty of women in the new nation.

Phillis Wheatley

An enslaved teenager who wrote poetry that impressed American leaders and challenged ideas about race and intellect.

Thomas Jefferson, Bill on Religious Freedom

A law passed in a southern colony that ended state support for churches and allowed people to follow any belief system.

Salem Witch Hysteria

A series of trials in a New England town where accusations spread rapidly, leading to the imprisonment and execution of many, often based on flimsy or imagined evidence.

Increase Mather, Cases of Conscience

A respected religious leader who published a warning about using questionable evidence in court, helping bring an end to a wave of prosecutions.

William & Mary / Glorious Revolution

A political shift in England that removed a Catholic ruler in favor of Protestant monarchs and limited royal power, influencing ideas about governance in the colonies.

John Locke / Liberalism

An Enlightenment thinker who argued that people are born with certain rights and that governments exist to protect those rights, not to take them away.

The Enlightenment

A cultural movement that emphasized logic, observation, and individual rights, encouraging colonists to question tradition and authority.

The Middle Passage

A brutal ocean journey that transported enslaved Africans to the Americas under horrific conditions as part of a larger trade system.

Salutary Neglect

A period when colonial governments were allowed to operate with little interference, which led them to develop habits of independence.

Republicanism

A political philosophy that valued civic responsibility, public virtue, and the idea that leaders should be chosen by the people to serve the public good.

Junípero Serra

A Catholic missionary who founded settlements along the Pacific coast, aiming to convert Native communities and expand Spanish influence, often disrupting local cultures.

First Great Awakening / George Whitefield

A religious revival marked by emotional preaching and traveling speakers that encouraged individuals to seek personal spiritual renewal and challenge established churches.

Seven Years (French & Indian) War

A major global conflict that involved European powers and spread to North America, where British forces and their Native allies fought against a rival empire and its Indigenous supporters.

Iroquois Mourning Wars

Conflicts where one Native group sought to capture others to replace community members lost to disease or battle, strengthening their population and influence.

Benjamin Franklin / Albany Plan

A colonial leader proposed a united council for defense and cooperation during an early conflict, but the idea was rejected by both the colonies and the British.

Treaty of Easton

An agreement during wartime where British officials promised to respect Native lands in return for tribal neutrality or support, helping to shift alliances.

Neolin / Pontiac’s Rebellion

A spiritual leader called for Native peoples to reject European influence, inspiring a wide uprising that attacked forts and settlements in protest of new colonial control.

Proclamation Line of 1763

A boundary set by the British government that limited colonial expansion westward in an attempt to avoid further conflict with Native groups.

Stamp Act Crisis

A tax on printed materials triggered widespread protests, where colonists argued that only their own assemblies had the right to create such laws.

Sons / Daughters of Liberty

Organized groups of men and women who resisted British policies—some through direct action, others through producing goods or organizing boycotts.

Nathaniel Bacon, Declaration in the Name of the People, 1676

Against whom was Bacon rebelling? Why?

The rebellion was against the colonial leader and his supporters. The cause was frustration over the lack of protection from attacks and unfair trading practices that benefited only the wealthy.

Nathaniel Bacon, Declaration in the Name of the People, 1676

Whom did the rebel leader claim to represent? How did the rebellion affect social relations?

The rebel leader claimed to represent ordinary settlers, especially those on the frontier. The rebellion created more tension between the wealthy elite and common people, leading to changes in the way land and power were distributed.

Nathaniel Bacon, Declaration in the Name of the People, 1676

What was the rebel leader’s attitude toward nearby groups? Why was this a source of unity among settlers?

The rebel leader believed that nearby groups posed a threat and should be dealt with harshly. This view united many settlers who felt vulnerable and wanted stronger action for their protection.

Testimony Against Bridget Bishop, 1692

Of what crimes was Bishop accused?

She was accused of using magic to harm others, including causing a child's illness and death, and bringing disorder to her community.

Testimony Against Bridget Bishop, 1692

What is some of the "evidence" used against her?

Witnesses claimed they saw her near a sick child before it died, and others said she caused harm or mental distress to people around her. Some also accused her of encouraging bad behavior in her home.