Social Studies 8th Grade Chapter 1

flashcards

Q: How did trade with Asia lead to the discovery of the Americas?

A: European countries wanted direct trade routes to Asia to avoid monopolies by Italy and the Ottoman Empire. They looked for new sea routes, leading to Columbus sailing west—and discovering the Americas.

What were the positive effects of the Columbian Exchange?

New foods introduced across continents (potatoes, corn, sugar).

• Livestock like horses introduced to Americas.

• Global population growth from improved diets.

What were the negative effects of the Columbian Exchange?

Spread of diseases like smallpox to Native Americans.

• Enslavement of Africans.

• Native cultures and populations destroyed.

How did the shift from feudalism to capitalism lead to the founding of colonies in North America?

As feudalism (land-based system) declined, capitalism rose, promoting individual wealth through trade. Capitalism created a thirst for money, and the ideology of mercantilism was born. Mercantilism encouraged nations to build colonies for resources, helping to create the early colonies. They also searched for the Northwest Passage to increase trade with Asia.

Q: How were Jamestown and Plymouth similar and different?

Jamestown was founded in 1607 by the Virginia Company for economic profit.
Plymouth was founded in 1620 by the Pilgrims seeking religious freedom

What are the three colonial regions and who else claimed land nearby?

• New England, Middle, Southern Colonies

• France controlled land west of the colonies (Canada, Louisiana)

• Spain controlled Florida and parts of the southwest

How did climate and geography lead to economic differences in New England Colonies?

In New England, the rocky soil, cold winters, and short growing season made large-scale farming difficult, so colonists relied on subsistence farming, shipbuilding, and fishing.

How did climate and geography lead to economic differences in the Middle Colonies?

The Middle Colonies had fertile soil and a milder climate, allowing them to grow cash crops like wheat and corn, and support trading cities like New York and Philadelphia.

How did climate and geography lead to economic differences in the Southern Colonies?

The Southern Colonies had a warm climate and rich soil, which made them ideal for growing cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo on large plantations that used enslaved labor.

Subsistence farming-

Growing just enough food for your family, not to sell.

Cash crop-

A crop grown to be sold for profit, not for personal use (e.g., tobacco, rice, indigo).

Plantation-

A large farm in the Southern Colonies that grew cash crops and often used enslaved labor.

New England Colonies-

Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire

New England Colonies Climate/Geography-

Cold winters, rocky soil, forests, coastal areas

New England Colonies Economy-

Shipbuilding, fishing, lumber, trade, subsistence farming

Reason for Founding New England Colonies-

Mostly religious freedom

Middle Colonies-

New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware

Economy of the Middle Colonies-

Farming cash crops, shipping, trade

Climate/Geography of Middle Colonies-

Moderate climate, fertile soil, rivers

Reason for Founding the Middle Colonies-

Religious freedom and profit

Southern Colonies-

Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia

Climate/Geography of the Southern Colonies-

Warm climate, long growing season, fertile land

Economy of the Southern Colonies-

Plantations, cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo

Reason for Founding the Southern Colonies-

Profit, land, religious freedom

Spain Controlled…

Florida and the Southwest

France controlled..

Canada and the west of Missisipi