DE US History study guide

Chesapeake Colonies

Settled later than Canada and South America, characterized by a rough start and funded by joint-stock companies.

Jamestown

The first permanent English colony in America, established as an economic venture and nearly failed initially.

John Rolfe

Introduced tobacco to the Chesapeake region, marking the beginning of cash crop agriculture in North America.

Indentured Servants

Laborers under contract to work for a certain number of years in exchange for passage to America, used due to labor shortages.

Slavery in British North America

Colonies shifted to slavery as a labor source, with the first Africans arriving in 1619.

House of Burgesses

Established in 1619, it was the first representative government in the New World, setting a precedent for self-governance.

Bacon's Rebellion

A revolt led by Nathaniel Bacon in 1676, showcasing tensions between former indentured servants and the elite, as well as issues with Native Americans.

Puritans

Calvinists seeking to 'purify' the Anglican church, known for strict beliefs and intolerance, striving for visible signs of salvation.

Theocracy

A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God, evident in early New England society.

Mayflower Compact

An agreement made by the Pilgrims to establish a political structure for their colony, emphasizing direct democracy.

Pequot War

A conflict in 1637 that led to the destruction of the Pequot people and intensified colonial violence against Native Americans.

King Philip's War

A conflict in 1675 between Native Americans and English colonists, resulting in the end of Native resistance in New England.

William Penn

Founder of Pennsylvania, a Quaker colony known for its religious tolerance and positive relations with Native Americans.

Middle Colonies

Diverse region including Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, known for agriculture and commercial businesses.

Covenant Communities

Communities that operate under an agreement to mutually uphold their religious beliefs and moral standards, central to New England society.

Diversity in the Middle Colonies

Characterized by a mix of cultural backgrounds, including large German populations and varying religious beliefs.

Triangle Trade

The trade network that linked North America, Europe, and Africa, where Northern colonies profited from slavery indirectly.