Time Period 2 (1607-1754)

tobacco

played a crucial role in the early economy and culture of European colonies in the Americas; became a cornerstone of the colonial economy, driving demand in Europe and significantly influencing transatlantic trade and colonization efforts

joint-stock company

business entities where different stocks can be bought and owned by shareholders, allowing for the pooling of capital to fund commercial ventures; became vital during the era of colonization, it enabled investors to share risks and profits associated with overseas ventured (European powers seeking new trade routes and territories)

Jamestown

the first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607; marked a significant moment in European colonization efforts

John Smith

known for his role in the establishment of Jamestown colony in Virginia; he became a leader in Jamestown; traded with the local natives, established a stronger system of government, motivated the early colonists

Chesapeake Region

Maryland and Virginia; played a crucial role in European colonization efforts, serving as a vital resource for trade, transportation, and settlers in the region

House of Burgesses

the first elected legislative assembly in the American colonies, established in 1619 in Virginia; marked a significant step towards representative government in colonies, allowing settlers to participate in their own governance and laying groundwork for future democratic practices in America

Rhode Island

one of the original thirteen colonies, known for its strong commitment to religious freedom and individual rights; founded by dissenters from the MA Bay Colony in the 1630s, it became a haven for those seeking refuge from religious persecution, set a precedent for the separation of church and state

Roger Williams

a Puritan minister who founded the Colony of Rhode Island, known for his advocacy of religious freedom and separation of church and state, which were revolutionary ideas at the time

Anne Hutchinson

challenged the religious norms of her time, advocating for a personal relationship with God and criticizing the rigid doctrines of the Puritan clergy; her beliefs sparked significant controversy and led to her trial and banishment from the MA Bay Colony

Fundamental Orders of CT

enacted in 1638-1639; were a set of laws that established a framework for the government of the CT colony; considered the first written constitution, it outlined the structure of government, the powers of officials, and the rights of citizens ~ reflects the principles of self-governance

Holy Experiment

refers to the unique vision of religious freedom and democratic governance established by William Penn in Pennsylvania during the 17th century; characterized by promoting tolerance for various religious beliefs and creating a model for peaceful coexistence among diverse populations

Frame of Government - PA

the constitution created by William Penn that outlined the government of Pennsylvania, emphasizing democratic principles and civil liberties

Quakers

a peaceful religious group of dissenters; believed in taking no oaths, refused military service, and were accepting of the Native Americans ~ Pennsylvania became a liberal colony that was also ethnically diverse and accepting of most religions

William Penn

a Quaker, founded Pennsylvania in 1681

Act of Toleration

enacted in 1649 in the MD colony; a law that granted religious freedom to all Christians providing protection against discrimination based on their faith; marked one of the first instances in the English colonies where a government sought to ensure freedom of worship for different Christian denominations

Navigation Acts

a series of regulations enacted by the British Parliament in the 17th and 18th centuries aimed at controlling colonial trade and ensuring that it benefited England; mandated that certain goods produced in the colonies could only be shipped to England or English territories

salutary neglect

refers to the British loosely enforcing trade regulations and allowing the American colonies considerable freedom in economic and political matters during the 17th and early 18th century; helped foster a sense of independence among the colonies, encouraging them to develop their own systems of governance and trade relationships

Triangular Trade

refers to the transatlantic system of trade that operated between Europe, Africa, and the Americas from the 16th to the 19th century; involved the exchange of goods, enslaved people, and raw materials among these three regions

cash crop

agricultural products grown primarily for sale and profit rather than for personal consumption; played a significant role in shaping economics and societies

Puritans

a religious group in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to purify the Church of England from Catholic practices, emphasizing a strict interpretation of the Bible and personal piety

pilgrims

a group of English settlers who traveled to North America in 1620 seeking religious freedom, establishing the Plymouth Colony

Bacon’s Rebellion

an armed uprising in 1676 led by Nathaniel Bacon against the rule of Governor William Berkeley in Virginia, where many poor white farmers (Indentured slaves) staged a violent uprising against the government and wealthy tobacco planters; caused Virginia planters to look for a new labor force

First Great Awakening

a religious movement that took place in the American colonies during the first part of the 18th century; a reaction against the increasing secularization of society (Enlightenment)

joint-stock colony

a type of colony where multiple companies or investors invested together

royal colony

territories in North America governed directly by the Crown, rather than through a charter or local authority

proprietary colonies

territories granted by a British monarch to one or more individual who had full governing rights over the land

John Rolfe

an early English settler in North America who introduced tobacco cultivation to Virginia, which became a significant cash crop

antinomianism

the belief that faith alone, rather than adherence to moral law, is necessary for salvation; central to the teachings of Anne Hutchinson

Mayflower Compact

a foundational document created in 1620 by the Pilgrims abroad the Mayflower, establishing a form of self-governance for the new colony of Plymouth; an agreement to form a political body, the principles influenced later democratic ideas in America

John Winthrop

served as the first governor of the MA Bay Colony; played a crucial role in shaping the colony’s political and religious landscape, established a Puritan society that emphasized community, moral conduct, and religious devotion

City upon a Hill

a vision of society that is a model of excellence and virtue, associated with John Winthrop’s sermon in 1630 where he described the Puritan settlement in New England; the idea became foundational for the identity of the MA Bay Colony

Halfway Covenant

allowed partial membership rights to persons not yet converted into the Puritan church; it lessened the difference between the “elect” members of the church from the regular members

Salem Witch Trials

a series of hearings and prosecutions in 1692 in colonial MA, where more than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft; highlights the social tensions and religious fervor of the time

indentured servants

individuals who signed a contract agreeing to work for a specific number of years in exchange for a passage to the New World, along with food, shelter, and other necessities

Headright system

a land distribution policy used in the early American colonies, primarily in Virgina, where land was granted to settlers based on the number of individuals they bought into the colony

Jonathan Edwards

a prominent American theologian and preacher in the 18th century, best known for his role in the Great Awakening

Zenger Trial

a landmark legal case in 1735 in colonial NY that established the precedent for freedom of the press

breadbasket region

refers to the middle colonies, NY, NJ, PA, and DE, known for their rich soil and favorable climate that allowed for the large-scale production of grains like wheat, barley, and oats