Key Concepts in Early American History and Colonization

Columbian Exchange

The global transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Mestizos

People of mixed Spanish and Native American ancestry in New Spain.

Indentured Servant

Worker who traded labor for passage to America; common from England and Europe.

Virginia Company of London

Joint-stock company that financed Jamestown in 1607.

Cavaliers

Supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War; settled in southern colonies.

Puritan Dissenter

Person who challenged Puritan beliefs in New England; examples include Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson.

Conquistador

Spanish explorer or soldier who conquered lands in the Americas.

Middle Passage

The sea route that brought enslaved Africans to the Americas.

Triangular Trade

Trade system linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas in a three-way route.

House of Burgesses

First elected assembly in America, founded in Virginia in 1619.

Mayflower Compact

First written self-government agreement in the New World.

Main Crop of Jamestown

Tobacco, which made the colony profitable.

First Slaves in Jamestown

1619, marking the start of African slavery in English America.

Impact of the Columbian Exchange on the Americas

Native population decline from disease like smallpox.

Effect of Bacon's Rebellion

Led to greater reliance on enslaved Africans over indentured servants.

Impact of the Great Awakening

Increased religious enthusiasm and equality; created new churches.

Ben Franklin

Inventor, writer, and founder; helped draft the Declaration of Independence.

New England Colonies

Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.

New England Geography

Cold winters, rocky soil, short growing season, coastal forests.

New England Society

Religious and community-focused; centered on Puritan beliefs.

New England Economy

Based on trade, shipbuilding, and small farms.

Middle Colonies

New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Middle Geography

Fertile soil, rivers, and moderate climate.

Middle Society

Diverse population with various religions and cultures.

Middle Economy

Farming, trade, and small manufacturing.

Southern Colonies

Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Southern Geography

Fertile soil, warm climate, long growing season.

Southern Society

Plantation system with enslaved labor and social hierarchy.

Southern Economy

Cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo.

Quakers

Pacifist Christian group from Pennsylvania; believed in equality and tolerance.

Maryland

Catholic refuge founded by Lord Baltimore; had a representative assembly.

New Netherland

Dutch colony based on fur trade; became New York after English takeover.

Rhode Island

Founded by Roger Williams for religious freedom; later first to declare independence.