Unit 2 CSA | European Exploration and Life in the 13 English Colonies

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to European exploration and life in the 13 English colonies, providing definitions and crucial concepts for exam preparation.

European exploration

The act of traveling to new territories to discover resources and establish dominance.

Colony

A new settlement or territory established and governed by a country in another land.

Missionaries

Individuals who travel to a territory to convert people to their religion.

Conquistadors

Spanish explorers and conquerors who were known for their conquests in the Americas.

Slavery

The treatment of people as property, where individuals are denied freedom.

The Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World.

Puritan

A member of a religious group in England who wanted to simplify the Church of England.

Cash Crop

Crops such as tobacco, sugar, and cotton that are raised in large quantities for profit.

Democratic

Relating to a form of government in which the people have power, often through elected representatives.

Glorious Revolution

A change in power in England that occurred without bloodshed, marking the shift of power to Parliament.

The Salem witch trials

A series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts.

Indentured Servants

People who agreed to work for a certain number of years in exchange for passage to America.

European exploration

The act of traveling to new territories to discover resources and establish dominance.

Colony

A new settlement or territory established and governed by a country in another land.

Missionaries

Individuals who travel to a territory to convert people to their religion.

Conquistadors

Spanish explorers and conquerors who were known for their conquests in the Americas.

Slavery

The treatment of people as property, where individuals are denied freedom.

The Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World.

Puritan

A member of a religious group in England who wanted to simplify the Church of England.

Cash Crop

Crops such as tobacco, sugar, and cotton that are raised in large quantities for profit.

Democratic

Relating to a form of government in which the people have power, often through elected representatives.

Glorious Revolution

A change in power in England that occurred without bloodshed, marking the shift of power to Parliament.

The Salem witch trials

A series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts.

Indentured Servants

People who agreed to work for a certain number of years in exchange for passage to America.

New England Colonies

Colonies like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, known for shipbuilding, fishing, trade, and strong religious influence (Puritans).

Middle Colonies

Colonies like New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, known for their diversity, fertile land for farming ('breadbasket' colonies), and religious tolerance.

Southern Colonies

Colonies like Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, known for large plantations, cash crops (tobacco, rice, indigo), and reliance on slave labor.

Climate and Geography of New England Colonies

Characterized by rocky soil, dense forests, and a long coastline, leading to industries like fishing, shipbuilding, and maritime trade rather than large-scale farming.

Climate and Geography of Middle Colonies

Known for fertile soil, longer growing seasons, and navigable rivers, making them ideal for grain production (wheat, rye, corn) and earning them the nickname "breadbasket colonies."

Climate and Geography of Southern Colonies

Featured rich, expansive soil, warm climates, and long growing seasons, perfectly suited for large-scale plantation agriculture of cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo.

Governing Structure of 13 Colonies

While all were under British crown authority, each colony created its own local elected assemblies (e.g., Virginia's House of Burgesses), which allowed for a degree of self-governance and local control over finances and laws.