American Heritage Midterm

Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and diseases between the Americas and the Old World following the voyages of Christopher Columbus.

Spanish Mercantilism

An economic policy aimed at maximizing exports and minimizing imports to increase national wealth, contributing to Spain's eventual economic decline.

Spanish Empire Size

At its height, the Spanish Empire was one of the largest empires in history, covering large territories in the Americas, parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Spanish Armada Outcome

Speculation on the consequences if the Spanish Armada had won includes potential dominance over the English Channel and possible suppression of the Protestant Reformation.

First French Explorer in North America

Jacques Cartier is credited as the first French explorer to plant the French flag in North America.

New France

A French colony in North America that claimed vast territories, including present-day Canada and parts of the United States.

Reasons for French Exploration of North America

Exploration aimed at expanding territory, finding new trade routes, and accessing resources like fur.

Timeline of French Exploration

Roughly during the 16th and 17th centuries, encompassing various expeditions and settlements.

Reasons for the Fall of New France

Factors include British military conquest, population pressures, and lack of support from France.

Roanoke Settlement Year

The English attempt at settlement in Roanoke began in 1585.

Defeat of the Spanish Armada Year

The Spanish Armada was defeated in 1588.

Difference in Colonization Plans

English colonization plans focused more on permanent settlement for social and economic reasons, unlike the Spanish focus on exploiting resources.

Elizabeth I's Role in Exploration

Elizabeth I supported exploration through funding, promoting national pride, and utilizing explorers like Sir Walter Raleigh.

Richard Hakluyt

An English writer and geographer who advocated for the establishment of colonies in North America.

Hakluyt's Arguments for Colonization

He argued for economic benefits, potential for spreading Protestantism, and opportunities for adventure.

Birthplace of America Acknowledged

Jamestown is often referred to as the 'birthplace' of America, although this is debated.

First Ships Arriving in Jamestown Year

The first ships arrived in Jamestown in 1607.

Survival Rate in Jamestown's First Year

The survival rate in Jamestown's first year was roughly 50%.

Powhatan

A Native American leader of the Powhatan Confederacy who was crucial in interactions with Jamestown settlers.

Powhatan's Daughter

Pocahontas.

Jamestown's First Fort Location

The first fort was established at Jamestown on the banks of the James River.

Indentured Servitude Definition

A labor system where individuals worked for a set period in exchange for passage to America.

Starving Time Year

The Starving Time occurred during the winter of 1609-1610.

Reasons for Death during Starving Time

Factors included food shortages, conflict with Native Americans, and lack of preparedness.

Headright System Incentive

The Headright system encouraged people to work by granting land to those who paid for their or others' passage.

Tobacco's Role in Jamestown

Tobacco became a cash crop that significantly improved Jamestown's economy.

Tobacco leading to Servitude and Slavery

The cultivation of tobacco created a demand for labor, leading to increased use of indentured servitude and eventual transition to slavery.

First Representative Legislative Body

The House of Burgesses in Virginia is recognized as the first representative legislative body.

Love for Jamestown History

Some appreciate Jamestown history for its role in American origins and democratic foundations.

250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence Year

The 250th anniversary occurs in 2026.

Pilgrims Landing Year

The Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in 1620.

Mayflower Compact View

The Mayflower Compact is viewed as a 'proto-democratic' agreement.

Jamestown vs. Plymouth Community Type

Plymouth is characterized as a 'covenant community' compared to Jamestown's 'commercial' nature.

Puritan Culture and Work Ethic

The Puritan work ethic emphasizes diligence as a form of devotion or calling.

Thanksgiving National Holiday Year

Thanksgiving was recognized as a national holiday in 1863.

Puritans' Objections to COE

Puritans objected to the Church of England's practices and sought greater religious purity.

Non-Puritans on Board the Mayflower

The non-Puritans are termed 'Strangers'.

Difference between Puritan and Pilgrim

Puritans sought to reform the Church of England, while Pilgrims left to separate entirely.

Pilgrims Leaving Holland Reason

Pilgrims left Holland seeking religious freedom and a more suitable environment for their beliefs.

Mayflower Cape Cod Arrival Year

The Mayflower arrived in Cape Cod Bay in 1620.

Mayflower Compact as First Written

Some consider the Mayflower Compact as the first written 'constitution'.

What is a Compact

A compact is an agreement, in this case made between the Pilgrims onboard for self-governance.

Necessity of Mayflower Compact

The compact was necessary to establish order and governance among the settlers.

Great Migration

The Great Migration refers to the period when thousands of Puritans emigrated from England to New England.

John Winthrop's Role

John Winthrop was the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and a leading figure in the Puritan community.

Model of Christian Charity Meaning

A framework of mutual help and community responsibility that emphasizes Christian values.

City Upon a Hill Significance

Represents an ideal vision for a community based on Puritan values and a model for others.

Winthrop's Hopes and Fears

Hopes for a holy commonwealth and fears of moral decay.

Join or Die Creator

The image 'Join or Die' was created by Benjamin Franklin.

Beginning of American Revolution Year

The American Revolution began in 1775.

Revolution in the Minds of the People Meaning

Adams suggested that the ideological basis for revolution was formed by the people's awareness of rights and governance.

Salutary Neglect Definition

An unofficial British policy of avoiding strict enforcement of parliamentary laws.

Mercantilism vs. Modern Capitalism

Mercantilism focuses on accumulating wealth through trade, while capitalism promotes free-market exchanges.

Mercantilism's Impact on British Colonies

Mercantilism influenced Britain to view the colonies primarily as sources of wealth.

Navigation Acts Description

Legislation that aimed to regulate colonial trade to benefit the British economy.

Seven Years War Participants

The war was fought mainly between Britain and France, along with their allies.

French and Indian War Equivalent

Yes, the French and Indian War is considered the same as the Seven Years War in North America.

First True World War

The Seven Years War is often referred to as the first true World War due to its global scale.

Seven Years War's Impact on American Revolution

The war's financial strains on Britain led to increased taxation of the colonies, fostering resentment.

End of Seven Years War Year

The Seven Years War ended in 1763.

Treaty Ending the Seven Years War

The war ended with the Treaty of Paris.

Biggest Loser in the Seven Years War

France emerged as the biggest loser, losing significant territories.

American Charters During Salutary Neglect

The colonies developed Royal, Proprietary, and Corporate charters.

Importance of Writing Charters

These experiences helped colonists gain experience in writing social contracts

Political Culture Definition

The set of attitudes, beliefs, and sentiments that shape the political behavior of a society.

Land and Political Participation

Abundant land encouraged the belief that more citizens should have a say in governance.

Classical Republicanism Definition

A political ideology emphasizing civic virtue and the common good, drawing from classical sources.

Enlightenment Writer Influence

John Locke is often cited as a key philosopher influencing American republicanism.

Strands of American Identity

Main strands include European Enlightenment ideals, Christian thought, and indigenous influences.

Writ of Assistance Definition

A legal document that allowed British officials to search colonists' property without specific cause.

Controversy of Writs of Assistance

They were controversial due to perceived violations of privacy as addressed by the Fourth Amendment.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

James Otis' Role

James Otis was a colonial lawyer who famously opposed the Writs of Assistance.

Otis' House as a Castle

Otis believed that privacy in one’s home should be respected, likening it to a fortified castle.

Otis' Concerns about Writs of Assistance

He viewed them as a threat to personal freedoms and liberties.

Importance of Natural Law

For Otis, the principle of natural law was paramount over temporal laws.

Difference between Natural Law and Natural Right

Natural law refers to universal moral principles, while natural rights pertain to individual entitlements.

Good Example of Natural Law

The belief in the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Good Example of Natural Right

The right to free speech.

George Grenville Role

Grenville was the British Prime Minister who imposed several taxes on the American colonies.

Sugar Act of 1764 Purpose

The act aimed to reduce smuggling and increase revenue through taxing sugar and molasses.

Stamp Act of 1765 Differences

The Stamp Act imposed direct taxes on various printed materials, unlike the indirect taxes of the Sugar Act.

Reasons Stamp Act was Unpopular

Colonists viewed it as taxation without representation and an infringement on their rights.

Source of 'No Taxation without Representation' Phrase

The phrase emerged from colonial protests against British taxes.