Colonial Regions, Government, and Revolutionary War Key Concepts

What were the social characteristics of the New England Colonies?

Founded by Puritans seeking religious freedom, society was centered around the church, with a mostly English and ethnically uniform population.

How was governance structured in the New England Colonies?

Governance was rooted in town meetings, a form of direct democracy for male church members.

What was the economic basis of the New England Colonies?

The economy was based on maritime activities like fishing, shipbuilding, and trade due to poor soil for farming.

What made the Middle Colonies socially distinct?

The Middle Colonies were the most diverse region, attracting a mix of immigrants like Quakers, Germans, and Dutch, leading to a high degree of religious tolerance.

How was political governance structured in the Middle Colonies?

A blend of town and county governments, with more representative assemblies than other regions.

What was the economic significance of the Middle Colonies?

Known as the 'Breadbasket Colonies' for their fertile land for growing grain and major port cities that served as trade hubs.

What characterized the social structure of the Southern Colonies?

Founded for economic gain, society was hierarchical with wealthy planters at the top and a large population of enslaved Africans as the primary labor source.

How was political power distributed in the Southern Colonies?

Power was concentrated in the hands of wealthy landowners who dominated county governments.

What was the economic focus of the Southern Colonies?

The economy depended on large-scale agriculture, focusing on cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo, leading to widespread slavery.

What did the Magna Carta establish regarding the rights of Englishmen?

It established that the king and his government were not above the law, taking away some of the king's power and giving the English people a voice on taxation.

What was the purpose of the Mayflower Compact?

Created by Puritan men aboard the Mayflower in 1620 to establish a government and create laws for a new colony where they could practice their religion freely.

What was the significance of the House of Burgesses?

It was the first democratically elected legislative body in the British American colonies, allowing colonists to choose representatives to make laws.

How did colonists practice self-representative government through the House of Burgesses?

Colonists chose representatives called burgesses from each settlement to make laws on their behalf.

Where did the House of Burgesses first meet?

It first met in the church at Jamestown in 1619.

What decisions were made by the House of Burgesses?

The assembly passed laws concerning taxes and local governance and played a role in opposing British policies.

What was the nature of Town Meetings in the colonies?

A form of direct democracy where eligible voters gathered to discuss and vote on local issues.

How did colonists practice self-representative government in Town Meetings?

All male landowners could attend and participate directly in decisions.

What was the French and Indian War fought over?

It was fought between Great Britain and France for control of land in North America, particularly the Ohio River Valley.

What was the outcome of the French and Indian War?

Britain won, forcing France to give up most of its territory, but incurred a large debt that led to taxing the American colonists.

What did the Join or Die Flag symbolize?

It urged American colonies to unite for a common defense against the French.

What was Salutary Neglect and how did it end?

Salutary neglect was a British policy of loosely enforcing laws in the colonies, which ended after the French and Indian War when Britain imposed new taxes and stricter control.

How did colonists respond to British acts and taxes during the Road to Revolution?

They organized economic boycotts, formed political groups like the Sons of Liberty, and resorted to protests such as the Boston Tea Party.

How did Enlightenment thinkers influence colonial leaders?

They provided a philosophical basis for arguments for independence, giving colonists an intellectual framework to challenge British authority.

Who were the Sons of Liberty and what did they advocate?

A secret political organization that protested British rule, believing in 'No taxation without representation' and advocating for self-governance.

How did the Enlightenment influence the Declaration of Independence?

It provided foundational principles that justified the colonists' arguments for independence.

What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga?

It was a major American victory that convinced France to ally with the colonists, providing essential military and financial support.

What was Abigail Adams's opinion on women's roles after the American Revolution?

She believed women should have more rights and legal protections and advocated for greater recognition of women's roles in society.