APUSH - Early Colonialism

Renaissance and Discovery

Competition between Spain and Portugal to explore west, 90% of Native Americans died due to disease and conquest.

Europe’s Role in Columbian Exchange

Provided markets, the capital and technology for progression

New World’s Role in Columbian Exchange

Provided raw materials, metals, and soil for sugarcane

Africa’s Role in Columbian Exchange

Furnished the labor

Encomienda System

Form of slavery by the Spanish, used Indians to cultivate or mine

When was the Encomienda System abolished?

1542, the Indians were legally free but still enslaved.

Negative impacts of spanish colonization

“Black Legend” (Spain as a horrible colonizer), killing and enslaving natives, spread of infectious disease, and greed for power and wealth

Other impacts of Spanish colonization

Crafted culture, laws, religion, language, food, and infused culture (mestizos)

Charter

Gave joint stock companies the right to govern the colonies, appoint officials (governor and council of leaders), and land rights

Joint Stock Company

Economic partnership financing travel to the New World.

The Virginia Charter

Guaranteed same rights as Englishmen, became the foundation for American liberties and the rights extended to other colonies.

Jamestown

First landed in 1606, colonists were attacked by Native Americans and moved up the river in 1607.

Environment in Jamestown

Cold winters, hot and humid summers, harsh drought (poor water quality), and low food supplies.

Powhatan Uprising

Powhatans attacked Virginia settlements as more colonists moved into their lands.

Powhatan Confederacy

Powhatan controlled many small Native American tribes, viewed the English as allies to control the region.

John Smith

Saved Jamestown by organizing colonists, forcing them to work productively, and traded with the Native Americans for food. He also took whatever he wanted from them.

John Rolfe

Built the colonies off the production of tobacco, introducing a new strain. Created the plantation system.

Headright system

Each Virginian got 50 acres per person whose passage was paid.

Indentured Contract

5-7 years, promised “freedom dues” aka land, forbidden to marry.

Maryland Settlement

A royal charter granted to George Calvert and Lord Baltimore in 1632. Produced tobacco, corn, wheat, and fruit. Lord Baltimore granted land to his Catholic relatives.

Catholics in Maryland

Colonists only wanted to come to Maryland if they would receive land. The Catholics were surrounded by Protestants. Was governed based on religious freedom.

Toleration Act of 1649

Supported Catholics in Maryland, guaranteed toleration to all Christians, decreed death to those who denied the divinity of Jesus.

Church of England

Formed by King Henry VIII as an Anglican church

Puritans

Protestants who wanted to purify the Anglican church. Believed that good acts could not save those predestined for hell. No one could be certain of their spiritual status. Wanted to totally “purify” the CoE.

Separatists

Puritans who wanted to fully break form the Anglican Church (pilgrims). Believed only “visible saints” should be admitted to church membership. Feld they had to share churches with the “damned”.

Massachusetts Bay Colony

Founded in 1629 by non-separatists puritans, a haven for puritans.

New England Religion

Congregational church, all people were required to pay taxes for the church. Religious dissenters were punished. Only puritans could be freemen and could vote.

New England Politics

Government open to all free adult males. Town hall meetings, and purpose of government was to enforce God’s laws.

Pequot War

1636-1637, most native americans killed or sold into slavery. Colonists gained control over pequot territory.

New England Confederation

Defense against Native Americans, French, and Dutch. Exclusively Puritan, and helped solve intercolonial problems.

Great Awakening

Religious revival movement. Emphasized emotional and personal religious experiences over strict doctrine.