APUSH Period 2

A collection of flashcards defining important terms and events related to colonial economic systems, social structures, and significant uprisings.

Mercantilism

Economic theory where colonies exist to benefit the mother country by providing raw materials and markets for goods.

Navigation Acts (1651–1673)

British laws requiring colonial goods to be shipped only on British ships and sold mainly to Britain.

Molasses Act (1733)

British law taxing molasses imported from non-British colonies, angering colonists and encouraging smuggling.

King William’s War (1689–1697)

First of the French and Indian Wars between England and France for control of North American territory.

Queen Anne’s War (1702–1713)

Second war for empire between Britain, France, and Spain in North America, ending with Britain gaining parts of Canada.

French and Indian War (1754–1763)

Global conflict between European powers known in the colonies as the French and Indian War.

Seven Years’ War (1756–1763)

North American part of the Seven Years’ War; British faced French forces and Native allies.It resulted in British dominance in North America, leading to significant territorial gains.

Caboceer

African officials who managed trade with Europeans, often involved in the slave trade.

Baracoons

Holding pens or prisons on the African coast for enslaved people before the Middle Passage.

3/5 Compromise (1787)

Agreement to count 3/5 of enslaved population for taxation and representation at the Constitutional Convention.

Code Noir (1685)

French 'Black Code' that regulated slavery in French colonies, providing limited protections yet remaining oppressive.

Stono Rebellion (1739)

Slave uprising in South Carolina that led to stricter slave laws.

Gabriel Prosser (1800)

Enslaved blacksmith who planned a large slave revolt in Virginia, executed after the plot was discovered.

Denmark Vesey (1822)

Free Black man who planned a major slave revolt in Charleston, which was foiled and led to executions.

Nat Turner (1831)

Leader of the most famous slave revolt in Virginia, resulting in harsher laws against Black education and assembly.

Amistad (1839)

Incident where enslaved Africans revolted on a Spanish ship; the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in their favor and they were freed.

Encomienda System

Spanish colonial labor system that granted settlers land and Native labor in exchange for 'Christianizing' them.

Middle Passage

Brutal sea journey across the Atlantic by enslaved Africans to the Americas, characterized by high death rates.

New Spain

Spanish colonies in the Americas focused on gold, God, and glory.

The Enlightenment

Intellectual movement emphasizing reason, science, and individual rights, influencing the American Revolution.

✅ Causes of the Enlightenment:

🧠 Rise of scientific discoveries (Galileo, Newton, etc.)

📚 Influence of European philosophers (Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau)

🏛 Desire to apply reason and logic to society, government, and religion

😤 Pushback against absolute monarchy and religious dogma

📈 Effects of the Enlightenment:

💬 Spread of ideas about liberty, equality, and democracy

✍ Inspired founding documents (e.g., Declaration of Independence, Constitution)

🔄 Shifted focus from religion to reason and individual rights

🧑🏽‍⚖️ Challenged the divine right of kings and promoted self-government

📖 Encouraged literacy and education

The Great Awakening (1730s–1740s)

Religious revival across the colonies focusing on emotional sermons and equality before God.

✅ Causes of the Great Awakening:

😐 Decline in religious enthusiasm (esp. among younger colonists)

🥱 Boring, intellectual sermons in churches

💭 Desire for a more personal, emotional connection with God

🌍 Reaction against Enlightenment's emphasis on reason over faith

📈 Effects of the Great Awakening:

🎤 Rise of charismatic preachers (e.g., George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards)

⛪ Split churches into “New Lights” vs. “Old Lights”

💬 Increased religious diversity and tolerance

🗽 Encouraged questioning authority (even in religion!)

🤝 Unified colonists across regions → shared American identity

🚸 Boosted roles for women and African Americans in some churches.

Bacon’s Rebellion (1676)

Rebellion of poor farmers in Virginia against Governor Berkeley, revealing class tensions and increasing reliance on African slavery.