APUSH Period 1-2 Key Terms

Colonization

What was the Columbian Exchange (1492)?

The Columbian Exchange was the exchange of crops, animals, and diseases between Europe and the Americas, resulting in major demographic and economic impacts.

What was the Encomienda System?

A Spanish labor system that exploited Native Americans under the guise of protection.

What was the impact of Smallpox on Native Americans?

Smallpox killed up to 90% of Native Americans due to their lack of immunity.

What is significant about Jamestown (1607)?

Jamestown was the first permanent English colony, which survived through a tobacco economy.

What was the Headright System?

A system that granted land to individuals who paid for their passage, encouraging indentured servitude.

What was the House of Burgesses (1619)?

The first representative government in the English colonies.

What was the Mayflower Compact (1620)?

An agreement for self-government and majority rule established by the Pilgrims.

What was Bacon’s Rebellion (1676)?

A frontier revolt that led to a shift from indentured servants to slavery.

What is Mercantilism?

An economic principle stating that colonies exist to provide wealth to the mother country.

What was the Great Awakening?

A religious revival that encouraged individualism and questioning of authority.