8th Grade US History - Exploration and Colonization

Vocabulary flashcards covering the reasons for exploration and colonization, key dates, early representative governments, and characteristics of the 13 colonies from 8th grade US History notes.

Religion (God)

One of the primary reasons for exploration, along with Gold and Glory.

Wealth (Gold)

One of the primary reasons for exploration focused on economic gains.

Fame and International recognition (Glory)

A reason for exploration that led to the discovery of North America and eventually colonization.

Political Reasons for Colonization

European rivalries caused nations to compete with each other to establish colonial empires throughout the world, extending their wealth and power.

Religious Reasons for Colonization

Motivations where some colonies were founded for religious reform or to escape religious persecution.

Economic Reasons for Colonization

Motivations where some colonies were founded as business ventures by charter companies funded by private investors.

Social Reasons for Colonization

Motivations where some colonies' laws created a different kind of society.

Exploration & Colonization Era

The era in US history spanning the dates 1587-1763.

1607

The year Jamestown was founded as the first permanent English settlement.

1620

The year the Mayflower Compact was signed, marking the beginning of self-government by the colonists.

Jamestown

First permanent English settlement, established in 1607.

Mayflower Compact

Document signed by many pilgrims in 1620 that helped establish the idea of self-government.

Virginia House of Burgesses

1st representative assembly in North America.

Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

First example of a constitution (formal written plan of government) in the colonies.

New England Colonies

Colonies including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut; populated mostly by Puritans from England, with long cold winters, rocky soil, vast forests, and an economy based on shipbuilding, timber, fishing, whaling, and merchant trade.

Middle Colonies

Colonies including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware; populated by a diverse population from different European countries and Quakers, with milder winters, longer growing season, good soil for cash crops, and an economy based on cash crops of wheat, other grains, fruits, vegetables, and artisans.

Southern Colonies

Colonies including Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia; populated by English Anglicans, Catholics, and enslaved Africans, with a warm, rainy, year-round growing season, rich soil for cash crops, and an economy dominated by plantations and cash crops of tobacco, rice, indigo, and cotton.