American History Lecture Notes

Vocabulary terms and definitions based on early American history notes from the lecture transcript.

The Native Americans

Inhabited North America approximately 30,000 years before European settlers arrived.

Theocracy

A form of government in which a state is governed by immediate divine guidance or officials who are regarded as divinely guided.

Cotton Mather

An influential New England Puritan minister noted for his role in promoting inoculation and authoring over 400 works.

Harvard College

Established by Puritans in 1636, it was the first institution of higher education in America.

Jamestown

Founded in 1607, it was the first permanent English settlement in America.

Plymouth Colony

Established in 1620 by English Pilgrims seeking religious freedom.

New England Primer

Published in 1640, it was the first textbook used in American schools.

Decline of Old Fashion

By 1750, older styles and traditions were losing prominence in favor of new cultural influences.

Pilgrims, Puritans, and Separatists

Groups who boarded the Mayflower seeking religious freedom in the New World.

Virginia

Named after Queen Elizabeth I, known as the 'Virgin Queen'.

First Black Slaves

Brought to Virginia in the early 17th century.

St. Augustine

Established in 1565, it is often considered the first permanent European settlement in North America.

William Bradford

Leader of the Pilgrims, he served as governor of Plymouth Colony multiple times.