Social Studies 13 Colonies Study Guide

Introduction to the 13 Colonies

• This study guide focuses on key historical events regarding the establishment of the 13 colonies in America, primarily during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

Roanoke Colony

• In 1585, Queen Elizabeth I sent Walter Raleigh to establish a colony.

  • A group of 100 men was sent to Roanoke Island.

• Walter Raleigh attempted to restart the colony and sent another group of 100 men, led by John White.

• John White's journey to England:

  • Left Roanoke Island to procure supplies for his family and settlers.

  • When White returned to England, England was engaged in a war with Spain, which limited ship availability.

  • Consequently, he could not return to Roanoke for two years.

• Upon White's return to Roanoke in 1590:

  • He discovered the colony abandoned, with only the word "Croatoan" carved into a tree.

  • Roanoke Island has become known as "The Lost Colony" due to the mysterious circumstances surrounding its disappearance.

Jamestown Settlement

• Established in 1607, Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in Virginia.

• John Smith emerged as the leader of the settlement.

• Relations with Native Americans:

  • Smith befriended Chief Powhatan.

  • He met Powhatan's daughter, Pocahontas, who acted as a peacemaker.

  • Pocahontas provided food to the settlers and warned them of Native ambushes.

  • She also educated them about survival skills and the local environment.

• Governance of Jamestown:

  • The settlers established a form of self-government.

  • This included majority voting, holding town meetings, and electing representatives within a meeting house.

• Survival strategies of the settlers:

  • Farming and digging wells for water were crucial for survival in the early days of Jamestown.

  • Tobacco emerged as a significant cash crop, greatly contributing to the colony's economy.

Regional Characteristics of the Colonies

New England Colonies

• Geographic and climatic conditions:

  • Characterized as the coldest region, featuring mountainous terrain thick with trees and rivers.

  • The soil was rocky and poor, making agriculture challenging.

• Major industries:

  • Shipbuilding

  • Fishing

  • Fur trading

  • Whale hunting

  • These industries thrived due to the region's coastal access and abundant forests.

• King Philip’s War:

  • The war commenced due to English expansion into Native American territories.

  • The colonists won because they had a larger population and superior resources.

Middle Colonies

• Known for their fertile soil, these colonies became significant food-producing areas.

  • Wheat farming was particularly prominent in these regions.

Southern Colonies

• Climate and agricultural practices:

  • The warmest of the three colonial regions, allowing for year-round crop growth.

  • However, the hot and humid summers led to the spread of diseases.

• Main exports from the Southern colonies included:

  • Tobacco

  • Cotton

  • Rice

  • Indigo

  • Lumber

  • Furs

  • Various farm products

Study Techniques for Assessment Preparation

• Recommendations for studying include:

  • Using index cards for key concepts.

  • Rereading relevant lesson chapters.

  • Having a parent quiz you on the material.

• Students should track their study strategies:

  • Record the methods used for studying, when they studied, how long they studied, and have a parent initial each entry.

• An additional five points can be earned by submitting the completed recording sheet on the test date.

Signature Section for Student

• Space allotted for student signature:

  • Student Signature: __

  • Date Studied Study Strategy Amount of Time Parent’s Initials