The 13 English Colonies

A set of flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture on the 13 English Colonies.

What was the significance of the Virginia Company charter granted by King James I in 1606?

It gave the Virginia Company the right to settle along the east coast of North America and guaranteed colonists the same rights as English citizens.

What were the main reasons for the establishment of Jamestown?

1. Finding gold and silver 2. Discovering a water route to Asia 3. Claiming more land for England.

Who was Captain John Smith and what was his role in Jamestown?

Captain John Smith tried to save the Jamestown colony by setting strict rules and establishing relations with Native Americans for food.

What was the House of Burgesses?

An assembly of elected representatives who worked with the governor to make laws, marking the beginning of representative government in English colonies.

What led to Bacon’s Rebellion in Virginia in 1676?

As more settlers arrived, conflicts with Native Americans increased. Nathaniel Bacon organized settlers to raid Indian villages due to the governor's inaction.

What was the purpose of the Maryland colony established by George Calvert?

It was intended as a refuge for Catholics escaping religious persecution in England.

What was the ‘Holy Experiment’ in Pennsylvania?

William Penn's vision for Pennsylvania to be a model of religious freedom and peace, allowing various religious groups to coexist.

What contribution did the New England colonies make to American education?

Towns were required to hire teachers and build schools, ensuring education for both rich and poor children.

What economic activity was crucial to the Middle Colonies?

Farming thrived, raising crops like wheat, barley, and rye, which became important cash crops.

What was the Great Awakening and its significance?

A series of religious revivals in the 1730s that emphasized personal faith and emotional connection to religion, affecting social and political life.