APUSH Notes: Chesapeake vs New England & DBQ Concepts (Vocabulary Flashcards)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the DBQ framework, key assertions in the era (context vs. contextualization), major colonial documents and ideals, and the differences between Chesapeake and New England regions as discussed in the notes.

DBQ

A research essay in APUSH that uses provided documents plus outside knowledge to analyze a prompt; involves contextual analysis and argument; typically 60 minutes and worth 25% of the AP score.

Contextualization

The process of placing historical events within a broader context to show why they matter and how they relate to larger trends or themes.

Historical Context

The specific circumstances, events, and conditions at a particular time and place that surround and influence a historical event.

Model of Christian Charity

Winthrop’s 1630 sermon aboard the Arbella urging Puritans to support one another, live simply, and act as a unified community.

City upon a Hill

A metaphor from Winthrop’s sermon describing Massachusetts Bay as a virtuous, observable example for the world to watch and judge.

Emigrants

People who left their homeland to settle in another colony; ship lists document these migrations to New England and Virginia.

Massachusetts Bay Law (1635) on wages and prices

A law addressing wage and price issues, punishing excessive wages or unreasonable prices to prevent oppression after repealing earlier controls.

Articles of Agreement, Springfield 1636

A mutual covenant among settlers to form a plantation, organize a town, allot land, and seek a godly minister and church governance.

Bacon’s Manifesto (1676)

A justification of Bacon’s Rebellion against Governor Berkeley, accusing authorities of wealth-driven neglect and calling for accountability and reform.

Chesapeake colonies

Virginia and Maryland; developed plantation-based economies (notably tobacco) with significant labor systems and distinct social/political structures from New England.

New England colonies

Puritan settlements (e.g., Massachusetts Bay) emphasizing religious covenant, town governance, education, and a community-focused society.

Captain John Smith: gold seekers

Colonists who pursued gold at great personal risk, described as exploiting others and causing hardship as wealth was pursued.