history_review

Ancient Migration to the Americas

• Theories of human migration to the Americas suggest a variety of routes, including the Bering land bridge and coastal migration.

Characteristics of Major Pre-Columbian Groups

• Mayans: Known for their advanced mathematics, astronomy, and written language; created city-states in present-day Mexico and Central America.

• Aztecs: Established a powerful empire in central Mexico, known for their agricultural innovations and complex social hierarchy.

• Incans: Inhabited the Andes mountains; renowned for their engineering skills and extensive road systems.

• Anasazi: Located in the Southwestern United States; known for their unique cliff dwellings and advanced irrigation techniques.

• Mississippian: Recognized for their mound-building culture and trade networks across the eastern U.S.

• Algonquians: Lived along the eastern Seaboard; characterized by small agricultural communities and extensive trade networks.

European Exploration and Colonization

Key Figures

• Henry the Navigator: Prince of Portugal who promoted maritime exploration.

• Ferdinand and Isabella: Monarchs of Spain whose support led to Columbus's voyage.

• Christopher Columbus: Credited with opening the Americas to European exploration following his 1492 voyage.

• Hernán Cortés: Conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.

Colonization Systems

• Encomienda System: A labor system where colonists were granted land and Indigenous people to work it.

• Bartolomé de Las Casas: Advocate for Indigenous rights who criticized the abuses of the encomienda system.

Columbian Exchange

• This was a widespread exchange of animals, plants, culture, human populations, and diseases between the New and Old Worlds following Columbus's voyages.

Early Colonial Issues

• St. Augustine: Established in 1565; the oldest continuous European settlement in the continental U.S.

• Popé’s Rebellion: A 1680 revolt of Pueblo Indians against Spanish colonizers in New Mexico.

• English Civil War: A conflict between monarchists and parliamentarians, affecting colonial governance.

• Utilization of Indentured Servants and Slaves: Economic practices used in the colonies for labor.

Religious and Political Turbulence

• Protestant Reformation: A religious movement leading to the establishment of Protestant churches separate from the Catholic Church.

• Elizabeth I: Queen of England whose reign saw the establishment of Protestantism.

• Spanish Armada: A fleet sent by Spain in 1588 to invade England; its defeat marked the decline of Spanish power.

• Divine Right: The doctrine that monarchs derive their authority from God.

• Virginia Company: A joint-stock company that sponsored the Jamestown settlement.

• Powhatan: Leader of the Algonquin tribes that interacted with English settlers in Virginia.

• Jamestown Issues: Early troubles included starvation, conflicts with Native Americans, and leadership struggles.

Colonial Conflicts and Developments

Early Colonial Conflicts

• Pocahontas: Daughter of Powhatan; played a pivotal role in the relations between Native Americans and English settlers.

• Plymouth Colony: Established by the Pilgrims in 1620; known for the Mayflower Compact.

• Bacon’s Rebellion: A 1676 uprising in Virginia led by Nathaniel Bacon against perceived corruption of Governor Berkeley.

• Roger Williams: Founded Rhode Island for religious freedom after being banished from Massachusetts.

• Anne Hutchinson: Challenged the Puritan orthodoxy and was expelled from Massachusetts.

• Pequot War: Conflict between English settlers and Pequot tribe, resulting in significant casualties for the Pequot.

• King Philip's War: A conflict between Native Americans and English settlers, which marked a deterioration of Native-European relations.

• Stono Rebellion: A 1739 slave uprising in South Carolina demonstrating resistance to enslavement.

• Salem Witch Trials: Hysteria in 1692 resulting in trials and executions over alleged witchcraft.

Comparative Characteristics of Colonies

• Distinct traits between New England (focused on family and religion) and Chesapeake (tobacco economy and plantation society) colonies characterized 17th-century America.

Slavery in the 17th Century

• Characteristics of slavery during this period included location (predominantly in the South) and usage (plantation economy).

Trade and Enlightenment Influences

Economic Systems

• Triangular Trade: A system of trade between the Americas, Europe, and Africa, involving the exchange of goods and slaves.

• Mercantilism: Economic theory emphasizing the importance of accumulating wealth through trade.

• Salutary Neglect: A policy allowing the American colonies greater freedom to pursue their economic interests until 1763.

Enlightenment and Religious Movements

• Enlightenment: An intellectual movement emphasizing reason and individualism rather than tradition; impacted colonial thought.

• Deism: A belief that reason and observation of the natural world can determine the existence of a higher power.

• Great Awakening: A religious revival that spread across the colonies in the 1730s and 1740s, promoting personal faith.

Colonial Governance and Legislation

Key Legislative Acts

• Navigation Acts: British laws restricting trade to English ships, aimed at ensuring colonial commerce benefited England.

• Dominion of New England: A royal province created in 1686 by merging several colonies, ending local government autonomy.

• Writ of Assistance: Legal documents allowing unrestricted search of homes and ships, leading to colonial resentment.

Approaches to Colonization

• Various European nations had different approaches to colonization involving social, political, and religious factors, impacting their respective colonies.

Wars and Revolutions

• French & Indian Wars: Conflicts between France and Britain in North America; involved alliances and territorial disputes.

• Grenville Acts: A series of measures adopted in the 1760s to tax the colonies, leading to discontent.

• Townshend Acts: Imposed duties on imported goods, prompting colonial protests.

American Revolutionary Context

Key Figures and Events

• Samuel Adams: One of the founding fathers known for his role in organizing protests against British policies.

• Thomas Paine: Author of "Common Sense," advocating for independence.

• William Pitt: British leader instrumental in the victory during the French and Indian War, later critical of strategies in America.

• Pontiac’s Rebellion: Native American uprising against British postwar policies in 1763.

• Royal Proclamation of 1763: Restricted colonial expansion west of the Appalachian Mountains, causing frustration among settlers.

American Revolution Analysis

• Understanding strategies, strengths, weaknesses, and key battles of the American Revolution, including:

  • Fort Necessity: Early battle that set the conflict in motion.

  • Monongahela: A significant defeat for British forces.

  • Lexington and Concord: The first battles of the American Revolution.

  • Bunker Hill: A costly victory for the British.

  • Trenton: A surprise attack leading to American victories.

  • Princeton: Another strategic victory for Washington.

  • Saratoga: A turning point that secured French support for the American cause.

  • Camden & Cowpens: Key southern battles contributing to American success.

  • King’s Mountain: A decisive victory for American frontiersmen.

  • Guilford Courthouse: A costly battle for British forces, paving the way to Yorktown.

  • Yorktown: The final siege leading to British surrender.

• Valley Forge: Winter encampment that tested the resilience of Washington's army.

Key Military Leaders

• Nathanael Greene: Strategist in the southern campaign.

• Banastre Tarleton: British officer known for his ruthless tactics during the war.

• Glorious Revolution: A shift in power that influenced colonial governance.

• Hessians: German troops hired by Britain, famous for their role in the American Revolution.

Post-Revolutionary Outcomes

Societal Division

• Dunmore's Proclamation: Offered freedom to slaves who joined the British side during the war, highlighting the divide between Loyalists and Patriots.

• Loyalists vs. Patriots: Divisions in allegiance among colonists impacted communities and post-war governance.

Characteristics of Post-War Society

• Understanding the evolving characteristics of British North American colonies during and after the American Revolution will be crucial.

• Thomas Jefferson: Key figure in drafting the Declaration of Independence and later, President of the United States.

• Results of American Revolution: The shift towards independence and the formation of a new government influenced by Enlightenment ideas.