Early Atlantic Exploration: Motives, Players, and Jamestown

A set of practice flashcards covering motives for exploration, mercantilism, key players, and the Jamestown settlement based on the notes from the lecture.

What was the dominant motive behind Columbus and other European explorers in the Americas according to the notes?

Economic motivation—money and profit (mercantilism).

What economic philosophy justified state funding of exploration and sharing of profits with the crown?

Mercantilism.

Which two European powers were the dominant Catholic monarchies during the early exploration era, and how did this affect other nations' ability to colonize?

Spain and Portugal; their Catholic monarchies were preoccupied with religious wars, which limited other nations' colonization until the Reformation shifted European power dynamics.

What event in 1588 marked the decline of Spanish naval dominance and opened the door for English expansion?

The destruction of the Spanish Armada (and its fleet) by storms and English forces.

Who provided stability and sponsored English exploration, leading to the naming of Virginia after this queen?

Queen Elizabeth I (the Virgin Queen).

What was the first English joint-stock venture to North America, and where did it establish Jamestown?

The Virginia Company; Jamestown in Eastern Virginia (near present-day Newport News/Hampton).

What crop saved Jamestown and became central to the colony's economy?

Tobacco, a hybrid blend cultivated by John Rolfe.

How did English colonization strategies differ from Spanish in terms of governance and land?

English used private companies and settled land, relying on merchants and privateers rather than large standing armies; emphasis on profit and land.

Under mercantilism, how was colonial trade regulated and taxed?

Goods from the colonies had to go through Britain so the crown could tax and control profits.

What authorizing event in 1606 allowed English private companies to establish colonies in North America?

James I granted a charter to the Virginia Company, enabling Jamestown.

How did the English word 'Virginia' get its name?

Named in honor of Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen.

Which region and river system did the Dutch prioritize exploring for trade, and which river did they become famous for?

Northeastern North America focusing on fur trade; the Hudson River (Henry Hudson) leading to New Amsterdam (New York City).

What river system did the French explore to reach the interior and the Mississippi Valley?

They moved through the Great Lakes toward the Mississippi River, exploring toward Minnesota and down to Louisiana (New Orleans).

What symbol represents French colonial heritage visible in modern Louisiana and in popular culture?

The fleur-de-lis, a French royal symbol, referenced in Louisiana heritage and the New Orleans Saints logo.

Why did Puritans migrate to North America in the 1600s, and where did they primarily settle?

To escape religious conflict and disfavor in England; they primarily settled in Massachusetts (Massachusetts Bay Colony).

What major challenge did Jamestown face initially, and what factor ultimately helped ensure its survival?

Poor soil, disease, and famine; survival was secured by tobacco cultivation (John Rolfe’s blend) which provided profits and attracted settlers.

What is the key grievance of the American colonies against the English crown that grew from mercantilist policies?

Taxation without representation and trade restrictions that routed colonial commerce through Britain.

What was the name of the English privateers who attacked Spanish ships, and how were their profits distributed?

Sea Dogs (privateers) like Francis Drake; prizes were shared with the Crown and merchants, boosting English maritime power.