AP United States History Unit 2 Study Guide: 1607–1754

AP United States History Unit 2 Study Guide

Period 2: 1607–1754 Covers: Colonial Regions | Labor Systems & Slavery | Religious Movements | Political Culture | Indigenous Conflicts | Colonial Society & Culture ~10% of AP Exam

SECTION 1: Period 2 Overview & Key Themes

Period 2 Big Picture

• Time Frame: 1607–1754

• Conceptual Overview: Establishment and growth of the 13 British colonies leading to a distinct identity, economy, and political culture in the Atlantic world.

Key Themes in Period 2

1. Colonial Identity Development:
      - Understanding how and why the colonial regions developed distinct identities.

2. Labor System Evolution:
      - Transition from various labor systems to chattel slavery.

3. Religious and Intellectual Developments:
      - Changes and movements in religious beliefs and practices.

4. Roots of Democratic Traditions:
      - Emerging ideas of governance and self-rule.

5. Indigenous-Colonial Conflicts:
      - Relationships and eventual conflicts between Indigenous peoples and colonists.

Major Colonial Regions Framework

• New England Colonies:
     - Motivated by Puritan religious beliefs.
     - Economy based on small farms, fishing, shipping, and lumber.
     - Homogeneous population with a strong tradition of self-governance.

• Middle Colonies:
     - Ethnically and religiously diverse (Dutch, German, Swedish, English, Scots-Irish).
     - Mixed economy focused on both farming and commerce.
     - Known as 'breadbasket' colonies for wheat and rye production.
     - Most tolerant of the three regions.

• Southern Colonies:
     - Primarily agricultural, focusing on tobacco, rice, and indigo plantation economies.
     - Relied heavily on enslaved African labor.
     - Generally hierarchical society influenced by the Anglican Church.
     - Urban centers were minimal; dominant plantation society.

AP Exam Tip

• Common questions involve comparing the colonial regions. Examine their economies, religions, labor systems, population characteristics, and political cultures. Understand geographic influences and labor demands on regional developments.

SECTION 2: The Colonial Regions in Depth

2.1 New England Colonies

Colony Overview

• Plymouth (1620):    - Founded by Separatist Pilgrims; sought religious freedom.
     - Established the Mayflower Compact for self-governance.
     - Absorbed into Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1691.

• Massachusetts Bay (1630):
     - Led by Puritans under John Winthrop; aimed to establish a 'City on a Hill.'
     - Became the political and cultural hub of New England.

• Rhode Island (1636):
     - Founded by Roger Williams; emphasized religious tolerance and separation of church/state.
     - Known for its diversity in religious practices.

• Connecticut (1636):
     - Thomas Hooker led Puritans from Massachusetts.
     - Adopted the Fundamental Orders (1639), the first written constitution.

• New Hampshire (1638):
     - Economically reliant on fishing, timber, and small farming.
     - Originally part of Massachusetts Bay; became its own royal colony in 1679.

New England Society and Culture

• Government:    - Town meetings as fundamental units; property-owning males had voting rights.
     - Direct democracy empowered local governance.

• Religion:    - Congregationalist Church with self-governance; membership required evidenced conversion.
     - High literacy levels mandated for Bible reading; established Harvard College in 1636.

• Economy:
     - Small farms (subsistence agriculture), fishing (especially cod), lumber, and shipbuilding.
     - Boston was the largest colonial city by 1700.

• Social Hierarchy:
     - More egalitarian than the Southern colonies with some hierarchy present.
     - Deference to ministers and magistrates was common.

2.2 Middle Colonies

Colony Overview

• New York (1664):
     - Originally New Netherland, taken over by the English; diverse population.
     - New Amsterdam became New York City.

• New Jersey (1664):
     - Part of the Duke of York’s original grant; ethnic diversity and tolerance.

• Pennsylvania (1681):
     - Founded by William Penn as a haven for Quakers; emphasized religious freedom.
     - Attracted diverse immigrants; Philadelphia emerged as a significant city by 1750.

• Delaware (1682):
     - Originally part of Pennsylvania; settled by Dutch and Swedish.
     - Gained its own assembly in 1701.

Middle Colonies Society and Culture

• Religious Pluralism:
     - Coexistence of various faiths including Quakers, Presbyterians, and others, with Pennsylvania as a diverse hub.

• Ethnic Diversity:
     - Population included German (Pennsylvania Dutch), Dutch, Swedish, Scots-Irish; more diverse than other regions.

• Economy:
     - Known as 'breadbasket colonies' for wheat and rye, facilitated by an artisan and craftsman economy.
     - Major commercial ports included Philadelphia and New York.

• Quaker Influence:
     - Beliefs in pacifism and religious equality; against slavery well before other groups recognized its immorality.

• Greater Social Mobility:
     - Land ownership more accessible compared to England, leading to upward mobility in society.

2.3 Southern Colonies

Colony Overview

• Virginia (1607):
     - Established by Virginia Company; first permanent English settlement; tobacco economy initiated by John Rolfe.
     - House of Burgesses (1619) as the first representative assembly.

• Maryland (1632):
     - Founded by Lord Baltimore as a Catholic proprietary colony; economic success through tobacco.
     - Act of Toleration (1649) provided freedom for all Christians.

• Carolina (1663 / 1712):
     - Established by eight noble proprietors; North Carolina focused on small farms, South Carolina on plantation agriculture.

• Georgia (1732):
     - Founded by James Oglethorpe as a haven for debtors; originally instituted no slavery (changed by 1750).

Southern Society and Culture

• Plantation Economy:
     - Large plantations depended on enslaved African labor primarily for tobacco and rice production.

• Anglican Church:
     - Established church in Virginia and the Carolinas; less zealous than New England Puritans.

• Hierarchical Society:
     - Large planters held top status, followed by small farmers, indentured servants, and enslaved people.
     - Social divisions marked by sharp economic statuses and life experiences.

• Dispersed Settlement:
     - Fewer urban centers with education primarily for planter families; rural settlements spread along rivers instead.

• Gentry Culture:
     - Great planters modeled lifestyles after British aristocracy, engaging in activities like horse racing and hosting elaborate social events.

SECTION 3: Labor Systems and the Development of Slavery

3.1 Why the Colonies Needed Labor

• Labor Shortage Crisis:
     - Colonies faced a lack of cheap labor despite abundant land.

Different Labor Solutions Attempted

• Indigenous Labor:
     - Failed due to high mortality rates from disease and successful escape attempts.

• Indentured Servitude:
     - Dominant system from the 1620s until the late 1670s; provided a temporary labor force but led to instability (e.g., Bacon's Rebellion).

• African Chattel Slavery:
     - Emerged post-1680 as the primary labor system; offered a permanent workforce without rights or claims to freedom.

3.2 Transition from Indentured Servitude to African Slavery

Factors Driving the Shift

1. Bacon's Rebellion (1676):
      - Highlighted danger of disenfranchised, armed ex-indentured servants, prompting planters to favor enslaved Africans who wouldn’t have access to land or weapons.

2. Declining English Servant Supply:
      - Improved economic conditions in England post-1660 led to reduced numbers of individuals willing to indenture themselves.

3. Falling Tobacco Prices:
      - Economic pressures from price drops necessitated cheaper, more stable labor sources.

4. Royal African Company Monopoly Ended (1698):
      - Increased slave trade competition lowered prices of enslaved labor, making it more accessible.

5. Legal Codification of Slavery:
      - Establishment of Virginia's Slave Codes (1662, 1705) defined slave status and justified perpetual, hereditary slavery based on race.

3.3 Slave Trade and Middle Passage

Atlantic Slave Trade Overview

• A significant forced migration with around 12.5 million Africans transported to the Americas and approximately 2 million dying during the journey.

Triangular Trade System

1. Leg I: Europe to Africa - Trade of textiles and rum for slaves.

2. Leg II: Africa to Americas (Middle Passage) - Packed slaves with 10-25% mortality rates.

3. Leg III: Americas to Europe - Return of raw materials produced by enslaved labor.

Conditions of the Middle Passage

• Packing Strategies:
     - 'Tight packing' vs. 'loose packing'; higher risks vs. potential profits.

• Health Issues:
     - Diseases such as dysentery and smallpox led to high mortality rates.

• Brutality and Control:
     - Frequent violence and punishment against enslaved individuals.

• Resistance:
     - Instances of rebellion on ships, exemplified by the Amistad case.

3.4 African American Life and Resistance in the Colonies

Cultural Adaptations and Resistance Forms

• Cultural Preservation:
     - Development of Gullah/Geechee culture and language among enslaved Africans.
     - Syncretism of African traditions with Christianity.

• Resistance Types:
     - Everyday resistance included work slowdowns and tool destruction.
     - Major revolts like the Stono Rebellion (1739) showcased organized armed resistance.
     - Impact of Resistance:
     - Resistance often led to increased restrictions, illustrating the struggle for autonomy.

SECTION 4: Religion, the Great Awakening & the Enlightenment

4.1 Puritanism and Its Tensions

Core Beliefs

• Predestination:
     - The belief that God has predetermined who will be saved.

• Covenant Theology:
     - Community commitment to uphold moral standards per their obligations to God.

• Visible Saints:
     - Only those with confirmed conversion experiences could participate in church life.

• Bible Commonwealth:
     - Close ties between church authority and community governance.

Key Tensions and Crises

1. Roger Williams (1636):
      - Advocated for fair treatment of Indigenous peoples and separation of church and state; founded Rhode Island.

2. Anne Hutchinson (1637):
      - Challenged Puritan orthodoxy; ultimately banished, raising gender and authority issues.

3. Halfway Covenant (1662):
      - Response to declining church membership by allowing broader access to church participation.

4. Salem Witch Trials (1692):
      - Reflected community tensions and societal stresses.

4.2 The First Great Awakening (1730s–1740s)

Overview and Impact

• A transformative intercolonial revival challenging established church authorities and fostering new identities.

• Key Figures:
     - Jonathan Edwards: Known for his sermon 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God' emphasizing divine power.
     - George Whitefield: Popular preacher who toured the colonies and widely spread revivalist messaging.

Great Awakening Outcomes

• Fragmentation of established churches leading to new denominations (Baptists, Methodists).

• Promotion of egalitarian beliefs, inviting all to experience conversion.

• Strengthening colonial identity through shared emotional experiences.

• Influenced anti-establishment sentiments, preparing colonists to question authority, anticipating the Revolution.

• Establishment of new colleges for minister training—Princeton, Brown, and others emerged post-revival.

4.3 The Enlightenment in the Colonies

Key Thinkers and Ideas

• Enlightenment emphasized reason, observation, and rights, influencing American political thought.

• John Locke: Concepts of natural rights and government by consent influenced documents like the Declaration of Independence.

• Isaac Newton: Ideas on physical laws extended to governance and social structures, suggesting the possibility for reason-based society.

• Montesquieu: Advocated for separation of powers, impacting the US Constitution formation.

• Benjamin Franklin: Embodied Enlightenment principles, emphasizing practical wisdom, sciences, and inventions.

Tension Between Faith and Reason

• While the Great Awakening focused on emotional faith, the Enlightenment valued rational thought; both challenged traditional authority.

SECTION 5: Colonial Political Culture & Governance

5.1 Development of Self-Governance

Political Developments

• House of Burgesses (1619):    - First representative assembly in English America representing landowners.

• Mayflower Compact (1620):
     - Established governance consent among settlers, highlighting early democratic principles.

• Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639):
     - First written constitution; established government for Connecticut colony.

• Town Meetings:
     - Served as a form of direct democracy in local governance in New England.

• Colonial Assemblies:
     - Controlled taxation and appropriations, gaining significant leverage against royal governors.

5.2 Salutary Neglect and Its Consequences

Definition and Reasons

• Salutary Neglect:
     - Policy of allowing colonies considerable self-governance and economic autonomy from 1607 to 1763.

Consequences of Neglect

• Established a habit of self-governance hindering British attempts at control post-1763.

• Developed patterns of smuggling, undermining Navigation Acts.

• Fostered distinct colonial identities and economic systems independent of British mercantilist goals.

5.3 Bacon's Rebellion — A Political Turning Point

Background and Causes

• Economic grievances among small farmers and former indentured servants worsened by declining tobacco prices and land scarcity.

• Class tensions emerged as large planters dominated power.

The Rebellion

• Led by Nathaniel Bacon, the rebellion united marginalized groups against Indigenous peoples and Governor Berkeley.

• Resulted in significant destruction, including the burning of Jamestown.

Significance

• Sparked fear among planter elite, leading to a shift towards African slavery for labor control.

• Exposed class disparities and hardened racial distinctions in labor systems.

SECTION 6: Indigenous-Colonial Conflicts

6.1 Indigenous-Colonial Relations

Conflict Patterns

• Initial cooperation followed by competition over land and eventually conflict leading to Indigenous peoples’ defeat.

Key Conflicts

• First Anglo-Powhatan War (1610-1614):    - Resulted in temporary accommodation following John Rolfe's marriage to Pocahontas.

• Second Anglo-Powhatan War (1622):    - Resulted in over 350 colonists killed; marked end of peaceful coexistence.

• Pequot War (1636-1638):    - Nearly eradicated the Pequot nation.

• King Philip's War (1675–1676):    - Resulted in immense destruction; end of independent Indigenous power in New England; the most destructive war per capita in American history.

• Tuscarora War (1711–1715) and Yamasee War (1715–1717):
     - Further examples of conflicts exemplifying the pattern of Indigenous land loss amidst colonial expansion.

AP Exam Tip

• Focus on King Philip's War regarding Indigenous conflict during this period. Understand its causes, significance, and impact on Indigenous populations.

6.2 Indigenous Adaptations and Strategies

Resistance and Sovereignty Maintenance

• Alliance Politics:
     - Forming alliances between tribes and European powers to resist encroachment.

• Trading Relationships:
     - Integrating into trade networks while attempting to preserve independence.

• Diplomacy:
     - Utilizing treaties to navigate colonial pressures.

• Adoption of Technology:
     - Utilizing European tools and weapons to bolster native capabilities.

• Confederation Building:
     - Forming unions among tribes for mutual defense and political power.

SECTION 7: Colonial Society, Social Structure & Daily Life

7.1 Social Hierarchy in the Colonies

Colonial Social Structure Overview

• Varies by region, with distinct elites based on region-appropriate professions and social expectations.

Social Groups

• New England:
     - Elites: Puritan ministers and wealthy merchants.
     - Middling: Farmers and small merchants.
     - Lower: Landless workers and servants; small enslaved population.

• Middle Colonies:
     - Elites: Landowners and large merchants.
     - Middling: Farmers and artisans; most mobile class.
     - Lower: Indentured servants and urban poor.

• Southern Colonies:
     - Elites: Wealthy planters.
     - Middling: Small farmers with no enslaved peoples.
     - Lower: Indentured servants and a large enslaved population.

7.2 Gender and Family in Colonial America

Gender Roles and Legal Status

• Coverture:
     - Married women had no legal standing; husbands retained legal identity.

• Women's Economic Roles:
     - Vital in household production and midwifery even if often overlooked in legal contexts.
     - Single or widowed women retained legal rights and could own property.

SECTION 8: Key Terms & Concepts

Important Vocabulary

• Indentured Servitude: Labor contract for passage to the colonies; dominant system in early to mid-17th century.

• Headright System: 50 acres awarded for passage paid; incentivized servant importation.

• Chattel Slavery: Enslaved people treated as property; hereditary enslavement based on race.

• Slave Codes: Laws establishing the status and rights of enslaved people and owners; made slavery hereditary.

• Mercantilism: Economic theory focused on accumulating wealth through favorable trade balances; justified colonial laws.

• Triangular Trade: Trade network connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas; facilitated transatlantic slave trade and material exchange.

• Middle Passage: Horrific voyage for enslaved Africans; high mortality rates and catastrophic conditions.

• Stono Rebellion (1739): Major uprising in SC with brutal repercussions and increased restrictions on enslaved peoples.

SECTION 9: Free Response Practice

Short Answer Questions and Long Essays

SAQ Guidance

• Specific guidelines for constructing coherent responses integrating evidence to support arguments or historical claims.

Example SAQs

• Comparison of labor systems in New England and Chesapeake.

• Context of King Philip’s War from Cotton Mather's perspective.

• Discussing the Great Awakening's impact on established authorities.

Long Essay Structure

• Contextualization, thesis statement, and evidence drawn from historical events before analysis.

SECTION 10: DBQ Guidance & Document Practice

High-Priority Primary Sources for DBQs

• Examples of documents and analysis prompts suggestive of historical context, audience, point of view, and purpose (HAPP) considerations.

SECTION 11: AP Exam Strategy & Final Review

High-Frequency Topics

• Focus topics for exam preparation; covering major themes in depth with practical example-based suggestions for self-study.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Treating regional identities homogenously; failing to articulate historical dimensions and societal structures.

Connections to Later Periods

• Understanding developments in Period 2 in light of future shifts leading to the American Revolution and other historical evolutions.