American History: Migration, Colonization, and Revolution Key Concepts

Bering Strait land bridge

Migration route during Ice Age between USA and Russia.

Clovis People

North America inhabitants from 13,000 years ago in the Pleistocene epoch.

Incas/Aztecs/Mayas

Civilizations in Mesoamerica, known for advanced knowledge in astronomy and writing.

Nomadic Hunting Tribes

Groups that moved frequently to find food and resources, shaping early North American societies.

Agricultural Tribes Location

Communities in Mesopotamia, China, and South America transitioned from hunting to farming.

3 G's Guns Glory God

Cortes' motivations for exploration: spread Christianity, acquire wealth, and gain national prestige.

Columbus nationality

Republic of Genoa.

Portugal exploration

Focused on Brazil starting with Pedro Alvares Cabral on 4/22/1500.

Pizarro-Incas/Cortes-Aztecs

Spanish conquests of the Incan and Aztec empires.

Christian Slavery Banned

Initiated in the 18th and 19th centuries by figures like George Fox and Harriet Stowe.

Encomienda System

Labor system where Spanish settlers extracted labor from indigenous people in exchange for protection.

de Las Casas

Priest who fought for the rights of natives in the early 1500s.

New Laws of 1542

Enacted by the Spanish Crown to protect Natives from mistreatment.

English Colonial Goals

Expand influence in North America and encourage migration.

Florida as a Spanish Colony

First major European settlement in North America, established in the early 16th century.

Texas/Arizona-New Mexico Colonies

Missions managed by friars and presidios protected roads and settlements.

Quebec/New Orleans

French settlements began in 1754 after defeating British forces.

Jamestown

First permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607.

Plymouth/Separatists

Group of English Protestants led by William Bradford who established the Plymouth Colony.

Massachusetts Bay

Founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers seeking to create a society based on their beliefs.

Rhode Island

Established in 1636 by Roger Williams for religious freedom and separation of church and state.

Connecticut Constitution

Fundamental governing document outlining the structure of government and individual rights.

Act of Toleration

1648 law in Maryland granting religious freedom to all Christians.

Great Migration (Mass Bay)

Departure of Puritan families seeking religious freedom starting in 1630.

Sugar beginning southern crop

Began in 18th century Louisiana due to favorable climate.

Rice/South Carolina

Emergence as a leading rice exporter by the late 1700s, reliant on enslaved labor.

Tobacco/North Carolina

Introduced to England by Sir Walter Raleigh in the 16th century.

Saugus Iron Works

First metal foundry in the colonies, founded between 1646-1670.

New England Industries

Common for fishing, shipbuilding, and trade, leading to town growth.

Rum=New England>Africa

Trade of molasses for rum fueled the economy and triangular trade system.

Middle Passage

Second leg of the transatlantic slave trade, taking 3-6 months.

Mercantilism

Economic theory focused on accumulating wealth through a positive balance of trade.

Salutary Neglect

England's policy of leaving the colonies alone as long as they were profitable.

New England Confederation

Military alliance formed in 1643 among Puritan colonies for mutual defense.

Albany Plan

1754 proposal by Benjamin Franklin for a unified government among the Thirteen Colonies.

French and Indian War

Conflict between Britain and France leading to significant territorial changes.

Proclamation of 1763

Issued to organize Britain's new North American empire after the Seven Years' War.

Sugar Act

1764 legislation regarding molasses, crucial for rum production.

Quartering Act

Allowed soldiers to stay in colonists' homes.

Stamp Act

1765 tax requiring special stamped paper for printed materials, leading to protests.

Writs of Assistance

General search warrants allowing customs officials to search for smuggled goods.

Hobbes vs. Locke ideas

Hobbes believed people are selfish; Locke believed in rationality and equality.

1st Continental Congress Activities

Delegates responded to perceived British threats to their liberty.

Guerilla Warfare

Colonial technique for attacking British forces.

Olive Branch Petition

Last effort to prevent war with Britain.

Loyalists=South

Loyalists were concentrated in the southern colonies.

Pulaski/Lafeyette/von Steuben

Military leaders who contributed to the American Revolution.

Articles of Confederation

First governing document of the United States, establishing a single government body.

Separation of Powers

System of checks and balances among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Land Ordinances

Legislation regarding the management and settlement of land in the Northwest Territory.