Unit 2 Review: AP US History (1607-1754)

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and terms from Unit 2 of AP US History, focusing on European colonialism in the Americas from 1607 to 1754.

Spanish Colonialism

The method by which Spain established colonies in the Americas aimed at wealth extraction, primarily through cash crops and precious metals, while subjecting native populations.

French Colonial Policies

Focused on trade, especially in fish and fur, rather than conquest, leading to relatively few French settlers but significant trade relationships established through marriage alliances.

Dutch Colonial Goals

Primarily economic; established New Amsterdam as a trade hub without significant interest in converting Native Americans to Christianity.

Jamestown

The first permanent British colonial settlement established in 1607, financed by a joint stock company, and initially focused on profit-seeking ventures.

Indentured Servants

Individuals who contracted their labor for a set number of years in exchange for passage to the New World, which became a primary labor source in the colonies.

Bacon's Rebellion

A 1676 uprising led by Nathaniel Bacon against Native Americans and the colonial government in Virginia, reflecting the tensions between wealthy planters and poorer settlers.

Columbian Exchange

The exchange of goods, ideas, and people between the Old World and the New World, significantly affecting economic and social structures.

Mercantilism

An economic theory advocating that countries should accumulate wealth through trade, maintaining a favorable balance of trade by expediting exports over imports.

Triangular Trade

A trading system that connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas, involving the exchange of rum, enslaved people, and sugar.

Natural Rights

The Enlightenment idea that individuals have inherent rights granted by a creator, influencing political thought and governance.

The Great Awakening

A religious revival in the 18th century that emphasized an emotional connection to Christianity, creating a sense of shared identity among colonists.

Impressment

The act of forcibly enlisting colonial men into the Royal Navy, leading to colonial resistance and highlighting growing frustrations with British control.

King Philip's War

A conflict between British colonists and Native American tribes (led by Metacom), showcasing the violent resistance to British encroachment on Native lands.