APUSH Unit 2 Key Terms
Navigation Acts
Definition: 1561 Required that goods be carried on ships owned by English or colonial merchants New parliamentary acts in 1660 and 1663 strengthened the ban on foreign traders: colonists could export sugar and tobacco only to England and import European goods only through England; moreover, three-quarters of the crew on English vessels had to be English Significance: Causation To pay the customs officials who enforced these laws, the Revenue Act of 1673 imposed a "plantation duty" on American exports of sugar and tobacco Charles II's ministers wanted to keep colonial trade in English hands → extended mercantilist strategies to the American settlements through the Navigation Acts Violation of Navigation Acts → Massachusetts Bay charter was annulled Microcosm of how stereotypes/assumptions can affect people English ministers believed they had to control trade with the colonies to reap their economic benefits and wanted agricultural goods and raw materials to be carried to English ports in English vessels. In reality, Dutch and French shippers were often buying sugar and other colonial products from English colonies and carrying them directly into foreign markets. Importance Three wars between 1652 and 1674 English navy drove the Dutch from New Netherland and contested Holland's control of the Atlantic slave trade by attacking Dutch forts and ships along the West African coast The Massachusetts Bay charter was annulled due to violation of the Navigation Acts Development of English ascension English merchants expanded their fleets, which increased in capacity from 150,000 tons in 1640 to 340,000 tons in 1690 Colonial ports benefitted from the growth of English shipping Representation of rebellion Comparison Native Americans rebelling against land intrusion by Europeans Africans rebelling against slavery Colonists violating the Navigation Acts (planters continued to trade with Dutch shippers, and New England merchants imported sugar and molasses from the French West Indies) Examples: Imposed restrictions on colonial trade Enable the mother country to derive a profit from the colonies Theme: Theme 6, America in the world
Cecil Calvert, Lord Baltimore + Act of Toleration (1649)
Definition: 2nd Baron Baltimore, was an English nobleman, also often known as Cecilius Calvert, who was the first Proprietor of the Province of Maryland, ninth Proprietary Governor of the Colony of Newfoundland and second of the colony of Province of Avalon to its southeast. The Act of Toleration, was an Act of the Parliament of England. Passed in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution, it received royal assent on 24 May 1689. Significance: He continued the legacy of his father by promoting religious tolerance in the colony. Maryland became a haven for Catholics in the New World, particularly important at a time of religious persecution in England. Act of toleration gave all non-conformists the freedom of worship. Examples: Made it a crime to blaspheme God Forbade one resident from referring to another's religion in a disparaging way Theme: Theme 1, American and National Identity
Enlightenment
Definition: A European intellectual movement of the late 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason and individualism rather than tradition Significance: Importance Changed the way people saw the world Christians: used to believe the Earth stood at the center of the universe and God intervened directly and continuously in human affairs Scientific revolution: newly acquired knowledge of inoculation saved lives Enlightenment thinkers advanced four fundamental principles: the lawlike order of the natural world, the power of human reason, the "natural rights" of individuals (including the right to self-government), and the progressive improvement of society Causation Revolutionary theory that political authority was not given by God to monarchs, as James II had insisted but instead it derived from social compacts that people made to preserve their natural rights o life, liberty, and property → some clergymen responded to these developments by devising a rational form of Christianity Comparison Scientific discoveries vs. Christian theology vs. new Christian understanding/adjustment Divine right to rule vs. democracy/natural rights Progression towards science and understanding of how the world works Deviation from the past In the past, Christians believed the earth stood at the center of the universe and God (and Satan) intervened directly and continuously in human affairs. Modern-day impact: deism (a way of thinking) has declined in popularity over time but the ideas still have a lingering influence Compares to The Great Awakening in the way that both majorly changed ways of thinking Examples: Emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism. An intellectual movement driven by reason. Theme: Theme 6, America in the World
Anne Hutchinson
Definition: A Puritan spiritual advisor and religious reformer Participated in the Antinomian Controversy Born on July 1591 in Alford, United Kingdom Died on August 20, 1643 in New Netherland Significance: One of the earliest feminists in colonial Massachusetts to challenge male authority. Causation: women gained more rights and equality. Women should not be ignored, should have the same rights and power as men. Preached to both man and women and also questioning Puritan teachings about slavery. Believed that heaven was attainable to anyone who worshiped god directly in a personal connection. Believed that one's behavior or sin does not affect whether one can get into heaven. Causation: belief conflict with Puritan doctrine. She discovered Rhode Island. Continuity: the constitutional notion of the separation of church and state, which is still used in today's life. Examples: She tried to preach both men and women by questioning them about Puritan teachings about salvation. Themes: Theme 5, Politics and Powers
Triangular Trade
Definition: A sailing route taken by the British slave traders. Started around the 16th century. A system of transatlantic trade between Europe, Africa, and Americas. Significance: It is a journey of three stages. First, the British set sail from Britain, and their ships brought manufactured goods, weapons, and rum. Then, they traded these items for enslaved Africans on the West coast of Africa. After, they sailed on the middle passage, and made their landfall in the West Indies, where they traded slaves for sugar. Lastly, they took the sugar back to England and sold it, which was used to make rum. Importance: It allowed for the swift spread of slavery into the New World. Millions of Afircans were captured in Africa with the intent to enter them into the slave trade. Colonists benefited the most from the triangular trade. They received African Labor to work on their plantations in the Caribbean and in North America. They also had a market for their raw materials in Europe. Causation: As more traders used the triangular trade, more and more land was needed for the collection of natural resources. This resulted in the continuing habit of taking land from Native Americans. It allowed Europe's economy to develop even more. Trade with Africa and America allowed their increase in access to raw goods It also led to the growth of the shipping industry. Examples: Europe supplied Africa and the Americas with finished goods More land required for natural resources Theme: Theme 6, America in the World
Town Meetings
Definition: A system of local government in New England in which all male heads of households met regularly to elect selectmen, levy local taxes, and regulate markets, roads and schools. Significance: Town Meetings were developed to preserve local autonomy and self-government over issues such as religious freedom and tax laws. Themes: Causation: Many issues occurred during the colonial time and a town meeting like this was necessary to maintain order and peace in many cities. Comparison: Compared to democracy, this is still very distant and far off. Only men had the right to vote in a meeting like this and many nobles had more of a say than an ordinary citizen in most situations. Examples: Votes on the town's local statutes Gave colonists a voice in how their colony was governed. Theme: Theme 6, America in the World Theme 7, American and Regional Culture
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639)
Definition: Adopted to the Connecticut colony council on January 14, 1639. It stated the powers and limits of the government The Fundamental order described the government set up by the Connecticut River Towns. Set up its structures and powers. Significance: It was the first constitution in the colonies It began the the other states' charters and constitutions Causation: It formed a Democratic government Gave men more voting rights than the people in Massachusetts. Allowed more men to run for the office. It later became a model for future colonial and state constitutions in America Causation: Granted them a charter to confirm their meeting. United all colonies into a new colony, which soon became Connecticut. Required each town to elect 4 "deputies" to create a legislative branch. Sovereign power was in the hands of the freemen. Examples: first constitution of the American colonies. composed of magistrates and representatives from each town. Theme: Theme 7, American and regional Culture
Plymouth Colony / William Bradford
Definition: Bradford born on March 1590, Austerfield, Yorkshire, England—died May 9, 1657, Plymouth, Massachusetts Bradford was an English Puritan separatist Plymouth colony was a British colony in Massachusetts. From 1620-1691 Significance: The Plymouth Colony was the first permanent Puritan settlement. They were known as the pilgrims that crossed the Atlantic Ocean on the Mayflower. Half of the settlers had died during the first winter. When they landed on Plymouth, many were already weak due to disease and the lack of food. They trip was long, which caused them to be low in supplies Disease and starvation caused half of the population of the colony to die during the first winter. Survivors in that colony were able to make and secure peace treaties with neighboring Native American tribes. Causation: Made colony self-sufficient using agriculture, fishing, and trading Motivated many other Europeans to settle in New England. William Bradford was the governor of the Plymouth Colony. Helped shape and stabilize the political institutions of the Plymouth Colony Escaped persecution from King James 1 of England. Examples: Sailed on the Mayflower and established a colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Themes: Theme 4, Migration and Settlement
James Oglethorpe
Definition: British soldiers Member of Parliament Founder of colony Georgia. Set up Georgia to help the poor english and envisioned it a colony for the debtors and unemployed. Significance: He helped many poor English migrants. He led the English troop against the Spanish forces based in Florida. From 1722 to 1743, Oglethorpe served in the British House of Commons, gaining a reputation as the champion of the oppressed. He pressed for the elimination of English prison abuses and, in 1732, defended the North American colonies' right to trade freely with Britain and the other colonies. Many crops like tobacco, silk, wine, indigo and rice were produced to help and bring the "worthy poor" new lives Actually banned slavery from the state of Georgia because it was against the purpose of the state and allowed practices of different religions. Examples: The founder of the British colony of Georgia in America. Theme: Theme 4, Migration and settlement Theme 6, America in the World
John Winthrop / "City Upon a Hill
Definition: English Puritan leader Leading figure in the founding of Massachusetts Bay Colony and brought a large number of migrants with him to New England in 1630. First governor of the Massachusetts Bay colony. Wanted to seek land away from the corrupt churches of England and envisioned the Massachusetts Bay colony as a City Upon a Hill and wanted everyone to look up at them. Significance: Aimed for a reformed Christian society with liberty in people and purity in churches Rejected religious tolerance and kept governmental power within church members to ensure religious power. Puritanism was the state supported religion. Congregationalist (power in church/congregation) and believed in predestination. Theme: Causation: Because of the Persecution from the Anglicans back in England, John Winthrop and his followers migrated to America to pursue their Puritan beliefs without persecution. The persecution basically caused the migration and later the founding of the Massachusetts Bay colony. Comparison: The pilgrims and puritans came for the same reason, religious freedom. But their belief was different, one pursuing separation from church and other wanting to reform the church. Examples: Led the first large wave of colonist to England Owned Native American slaves. Theme: Theme 4, Migration and settlement Theme 5, Politics and powers
William Penn
Definition: English writer and religious thinker Born on October 14, 1644 in London, United Kingdom Died on July 30, 1718 in Ruscombe, United Kingdom Significance: He founded the Province of Pennsylvania. Causation: A British North America colony which later became the US Pennsylvania. English Quaker leader that advocated for religious freedom. Like the Puritans, the Quakers wanted to restore Christianity to its early simple spirituality. However, rejected Calvinist doctrines, and instead followed two Englishmen, George Fox and Margaret Fell. He organized the founding of the American Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a refuge for Quakers and other European minorities. William Penn's colony had a unity purpose: Hoped to create a prosperous neo-European settlement that approximated the social and economic system they already knew at home. Charles II bestowed Pennsylvania on William as a payment for a large debt owed to Penn's father. Examples: The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 Imposed the feudal system Themes: Theme 5, Politics and Powers Theme 8, Social structures
Roger Williams / Providence
Definition: Puritan minister in Salem, a coastal town north of Boston The magistrates banished him from the colony in 1636 Significance: Causation To maintain God's favor → the Massachusetts Bay magistrates purged their society of religious dissidents The magistrates banished him from the colony in 1636 → Williams and his followers settled 50 miles south of Boston, founding the town of Providence on land purchased from the Narragansett Indians Importance In 1644, these settlers obtained a corporate charter from Parliament for a new colony - Rhode Island - with full authority to rule themselves Progression towards more religious tolerance Williams opposed the decision to establish an official religion and praised the Pilgrims' separation of church and state Advocated toleration, arguing that political magistrates had authority over only the "bodies, goods, and outward estates of men," not their spiritual lives Continuity Williams also questioned the Puritans' seizure of Indian lands, as other philosophers had done previously Other religious dissidents settled nearby at Portsmouth and Newport Deviation from the past/comparison to Massachusetts Bay colonies In Rhode Island, as in Plymouth, there was no legally established church, and individuals could worship God as they pleased Examples: He founded Rhode Island He also advocated the separation of church and state Themes: Theme 5, politics and power
Bacon's Rebellion
Definition: Fighting broke out late in 1675 Same time that New England fought its war with Metacom Nathaniel Bacon, a young, well-connected migrant from England who emerged as the leader of the rebels → issue was centered around political corruption and high taxation of the poor Location: Virginia Significance: Importance Poor farmers faced years of exploitation by wealthy planters, arrogant justices of the peace, and "wicked & pernicious Counsellors" Causation: Bacon's army forced the governor to release their leader and hold legislative elections → newly elected House of Burgesses enacted far-reaching reforms that curbed the powers of the governor and council and restored voting rights to landless freemen Bacon's army burned Jamestown and plundered the plantations of Berkeley's allies Governor took revenge, dispersing the rebel army, seizing the estates of rebels, and hanging 23 men Causation: Virginia's leaders worked harder to appease their humble neighbors Continuity/trend: grew out of a conflict with neighboring Indians Deviation from the past popular uprising against the colony's royal governor Virginia planters were switching from indentured servants to slaves → eased tensions within the free population but committed subsequent generations of Americans to a labor system based on racial exploitation Comparison Metacom's war - similarities it highlighted the way that a land-intensive settler colony created friction with Native American populations Dramaticized the way that ordinary colonists could challenge the right of a new planter elite to rule over them Causation Nathaniel Bacon was a harbinger of the Confederate rebels of 1860-1865 Falling tobacco prices, political corruption, grievous taxations that threatened the ruin of the poor, Burgesses took the vote away from landless freemen → social unrest and anger → rebellion Vigilante band of Virginia militiamen murdered thirty Indians and a larger force killed leaders of a Susquehannock village → Susquehannocks attacked outlying plantations and killed 300 whites → Berkeley (governor) proposed a defensive strategy: a series of frontier forts to deter Indian intrusions Impact today: reminds us that these colonies were unfinished worlds, still searching for viable foundations which applies to our modern world because things are constantly changing and developing → learn from their mistakes Examples: When Native Americans refused to give land to the settlers. Demonstrated that different people can be united. Theme: Theme 7, American and regional culture
Phillis Wheatley
Definition: First African American and second woman (after Anne Bradstreet) to publish a book of poems Born around 1753 in Gambia, Africa, Wheatley was captured by slave traders and brought to America in 1761 Significance: Importance First African American and second woman (after Anne Bradstreet) to publish a book of poems Wrote the first book by a black woman in America Criticized slavery Comparison Enslavers and abolitions both read her work; the former to convince the enslaved population to convert, the latter as proof of the intellectual abilities of people of color Microcosm of the prominence of gender and racial inequality at the time Progression toward more equality She was proud of her African heritage Wrote several letters to ministers and others on liberty and freedom regarding slavery Causation Had to support her family → worked as a scrubwoman in a boarding house while continuing to write poetry Wheatley's artistic and literary talents helped show that African Americans were equally capable, creative, intelligent human beings who benefited from an education In part, this helped the cause of the abolition movement Deviation from the past Sold to the Wheatley family and was educated (slaves were not often able to have this opportunity) Examples: The first woman in America to publish a book Became the first American slave Theme: Theme 5, Politics and Power
Jamestown
Definition: Founded in 1607 First successful permanent English settlement in the Americas Located in the Colony of Virginia Significance: Named in honor of King James I, who granted to the Virginia Company of London all the lands stretching from present-day North Carolina to southern New York in 1606 Region was named Virginia to honor the memory of Elizabeth I, the never-married "Virgin Queen" Continuity Influenced by the Spanish example, in 1607 the Virginia Company dispatched an all-male group with no ability to support itself — no women, farmers, or ministers were among the first arrivals — that expected to extract tribute from the region's Indian population while it searched out valuable commodities like pearls and gold Death rates remained high in Jamestown because of diseases and famine Represents a trend of the constant search for wealth (economic prosperity was heavily emphasized) Importance First successful permanent English settlement in the Americas Thrived for nearly 100 years as the capital of the Virginia colony; it was abandoned after the capital moved to Williamsburg in 1699 Causation No gold, lack of access to fresh water, refused to plant crops → adventurers quickly died off in Jamestown; only 38 of the 120 men were alive 9 months later Inability to decide who would pay tribute to whom → more than a decade of uneasy relations, following by a long era of ruinous warfare The war was precipitated by the discovery of tobacco John Rolfe found a West Indian strain that could flourish in Virginia soil and produced a small crop that fetched a high price in England → spurred migration of thousands of new settlers Wanted to encourage the transition to a settler colony → Virginia Company recruited dozens of "Maides young and uncorrupt to make wifes to the Inhabitants." Comparison Local Indian population vs. settlers Just as the Englishmen expected tribute from the Indians, Powhatan (powerful chief who oversaw some thirty tribal chiefdoms between the James and Potomac rivers) expected tribute from the English Powhatan traded corn and demanded hatchets, bells, beads, copper, and guns in return Deviation from the past To foster the flow of migrants, the Virginia Company allowed individual settlers to own land, granting 100 acres to every freeman and more to those who imported servants The company created a system of representative government: the House of Burgesses, first convened in 1619, could make laws and levy taxes, although the governor and the company council in England could veto its acts By 1622, land-ownership, self-government, and a judicial system based on "the lawes of the realme of England" had attracted some 4,500 new recruits Examples: Colonists planted and harvested tobacco When first landed, more than one-third of the people died. Themes: Theme 4, Migration and settlement
Great Awakening
Definition: Happened during the 1730s and 1740s A religious revival that took place in America. Some of the leaders during the Great Awakening were Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. Significance: The reaction against the waning of religion and the spread of skepticism of the Enlightenment had led to the Great Awakening. Broke the monopoly of the Puritan church as colonists began to pursue diverse religions. Altered the religious climate in America. Causation: ordinary people were encouraged to make their own personal connections with God, instead of relying on ministers. Decline of Quakers Presbyterians and Baptists increased Religious toleration and emphasis on inner experience. Leaders, like Edwards and Whitefield tried to revive man's relationships with God. Purpose was to convince them that religious powers are in their hands, not the church. Edwards's message was centered around the idea that humans were sinners, and God is an angry judge. We need to ask God for forgiveness. Revive faith in members of the congregation. Examples: It altered the religious climate in American colonies It influenced the Revolutionary War Themes: Theme 1, American and National Identity Theme 6, America in the World
Dominion of New England + Sir Edmund Andros
Definition: It was an administrative union of English colonies converting New England and the Mid-Atlantic colonies. Formed in 1686, and was overthrown in April 1689. Sir Edmund Andros was the governor of the Dominion of New England. An English colonial administrator in British America. Lived from December 6, 1637 - February 24, 1714. Significance: Province created by combining the British colonies in North America. Attempt was to reassert British control over the colonies after years of neglect during the English Civil War. Also wanted to control the coast of administration of individual colonies Also the desire to regulate trade and the Navigation Act. According to King James II, it was created to protect colonists from Native attacks. New England relied on the Native Americans in order for them to survive. Sir Edmund Andros became governor. Causations: Power of town meeting was curbed Officials tried to enforce the Navigation Laws Taxes were levied without the consent of elected representatives. He denied the colonists in not giving them a voice in the government. Colonists were frustrated and threw him to jail. Sir Edmund Andros was soon overthrown by the colonists because his views were pro-Anglican, which was a negative quality in a region full of Puritans. The Dominion of New England had soon failed because it was too large for a single governor to manage. Examples: Included Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. Theme: Theme 3, Geography and Environment
Scots-Irish
Definition: Migrants from Ireland, who numbered about 115,000 and were the most numerous of the incoming Europeans. Some were Irish and Catholics but most were Scots and Presbyterian. Significance: Because the Scotch-Irish settled the frontier of Pennsylvania and western Virginia, they were in the midst of the French and Indian War and Pontiac's Rebellion that followed. The Irish and Scots also became the middlemen who handled trade and negotiations between the Native American tribes and the colonial governments. Themes: Causation: Pushed out of Ireland by religious conflicts, lack of political autonomy and dire economic conditions, these immigrants, who were often called "Scotch-Irish," were pulled to America by the promise of land ownership and greater religious freedom. Comparison: The Scots-Irish are like many other migrants from European countries. They are fleeing from religious persecution or looking for better economic opportunities Examples: Became ardent supporters of the American Revolution Became the backbone of Washington's army. Theme: Theme 5, Politics and Power
Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)
Definition: People who were persecuted in England because they refused to serve in the military or pay taxes to support the Church of England Believed the idea that the presence of God exists in every person, which was not aligned with the ideas of the English church Followed the teachings of George Fox and Margaret Fell Condemned extravagance In 1681, Charles II bestowed Pennsylvania (included present-day Delaware) on William Penn, who designed it as a refuge for his fellow Quakers Emphasize direct experience of God rather than ritual and ceremony Priests and rituals are an unnecessary obstruction between the believer and God Seek religious truth in inner experience Great reliance on conscience as the basis of morality Significance: Comparison Quakers vs. Puritans both sought to restore Christianity to its early simple spirituality Contrast: rejected the Puritans' pessimistic Calvinist doctrines, which restricted salvation to a small elect Pennsylvania vs. Carolinas Carolinas languished for decades with proprietors and colonists at odds whereas William Penn's colony was marked by a unity of purpose: all who came hoped to create a prosperous neo-European settlement that approximated the social and economic systems they knew at home Both were originally proprietary, but the Carolinas' status was royal in 1775 whereas Pennsylvania's had not changed Microcosm of the progression towards equality 350 Quaker women served as ministers in the colonies Exhorted colonists to "sit downe Lovingly" alongside Native Americans Religious freedom* Political equality* Continuity: promise of cheap land and religious toleration → attracted European Protestants to migrate to Pennsylvania Deviation from the past Penn's Frame of Government (1681) applied the Quakers' radical beliefs to politics Ensured religious freedom* by prohibiting a legally established church Promoted political equality* by allowing all property-owning men to vote and hold office Strongly believed in equality all around (racial, political, gender, etc.) Importance Thousands of Quakers, mostly yeomen families from the northwest Midland region of England, flocked to Pennsylvania Ethnic diversity, pacifism, and freedom of conscience made Pennsylvania the most open and democratic of the Restoration Colonies Impact today: more than 300,000 Quakers around the world present day Examples: played a part of the abolition of slavery promoted equal rights for women Themes: Theme 5, Politics and Powers Theme 7, American and Regional Culture
Virginia House of Burgesses
Definition: The House of Burgesses was the elected representative element of the Virginia General Assembly, the legislative body of the Colony of Virginia. Established in 1619. Significance: The Virginia house of burgesses was the first legislative and democratic government in America. It was established for the purpose of passing laws and maintaining order in the Jamestown Colony of Virginia and the other settlements that had grown up around it. Themes: Causation: The major goal of the House of Burgesses was to change the law as imposed by Thomas Dale. Yeardley signed off on the changes which effectively ended martial law in Jamestown and resulted in new found freedoms among the settlers Continuity/trend : The House of Burgesses was the first ever democratic government in Northern America. This gave the colonists a chance to rule themselves which set an example for later governmental systems. Impact today: Basically shaped the democratic government all over the world today. Examples: Paved the path for democratic society First elected general assembly Theme: Theme 7, American and regional culture
Slavery + Middle Passage
Definition: The Middle Passage was the forced voyage of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World. Slavery is the practice or system of owning slaves (people who are legal property of other people and are forced to obey them). Between 1708 and 1735, British planters on Barbados imported about 85,000 Africans. Significance: Importance Nearly 1.5 million (about 14 percent of those transported) died of disease or illness on the month-long journey Africans sold into the South Atlantic System were torn from their villages, marched in chains to coastal ports, and forced to make the perilous journey. Racial shift in the West Indies and northwestern Brazil as more Africans were being constantly imported Symbolizes the development of an increasing dependence on slaves Microcosm of inequality → racial hierarchy was established and whites could get away with brutalizing or even killing their slaves Continuity slavery was not new, it was just increasing rapidly Causation Hideously overcrowded ships and feces, urine, vomit below decks → outbreaks of dysentery → some slaves jumped overboard to drown rather than endure more suffering Hideously overcrowded ships and feces, urine, vomit below decks → outbreaks of dysentery → slave uprisings on one of every ten Atlantic passages → nearly 100,000 slaves died in these insurrections Surviving the Atlantic crossing → endless life of slavery, relentless exploitation Sugar prices high and cost of slaves low → planters worked their slaves to death and then bought more Constant influx of new slaves → population was kept thoroughly "African" in its languages, religions, and culture Modern-day impact Less racial prejudice and racism in general but it still exists, just in other forms besides slavery Black Lives Matter movement Examples: Slaves were chained. Colonists purchased enslaved Africans Theme: Theme 6, American in the World Theme 8, Social structure
Metacom / King Philip's War
Definition: Took place between 1675-1676 Metacom aka King Phillip was the Wampanoag chief Left an indelible mark on the history of New England Significance: Trend: Europeans invading American territory and imposing on the Native Americans' lands By the 1670s, Europeans in New England outnumbered Indians by three to one and the prospects for coexistence looked dim Microcosm of inequality (English felt they were superior to the Indians and that they could control them) When the Wampanoags copied English ways by raising hogs and selling pork in Boston, Puritan officials accused them of selling at "an under rate" and restricted their trade When Indians killed wandering hogs that devastated their cornfields, authorities prosecuted them for violating English property rights Causation: all of this led to Metacom's conclusion that the English colonists had to be expelled Importance: Indians destroyed one-fifth of the English towns in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and killed 1,000 settlers, nearly 5 percent of the adult population Causation: famine and disease, death in battle, and sale into slavery → 4,500 Indians died, one-quarter of an already diminished population Effectively destroyed the Native Americans' existence as independent peoples Metacom was killed by Mohegan and Mohawk warriors who were hired by the Massachusetts Bay government Continuity: warfare continued to occur Many of the surviving Wampanoag, Narragansett, and Nipmuck peoples moved west, intermarrying with Alogonquian tribes allied to the French Took revenge by joining with French Catholics to attack their Puritan enemies Comparison French vs. English French intermarried with natives often and were more willing to ally with them to trade Catholicism vs. Protestantism English vs. Native Americans Violence on both ends Religious differences Cultural differences Governmental differences Examples: Tried to stop English settlements on their land. Many sold into slavery and indentured servants Theme: Theme 5, Politics and Powers Theme 8, Social Structures
Indentured Servants
Definition: Workers contracted for services for a specified period. In exchange for agreeing to work for four or five years or more without wages in the colonies, indentured workers received passage across the Atlantic, room and board, and status as a free person at the end of the contract period. Significance: The earliest settlers soon realized that they had lots of land to care for, but no one to care for it. With passage to the Colonies expensive for all but the wealthy, the Virginia Company developed the system of indentured servitude to attract workers. Indentured servants became vital to the colonial economy. Major cash crops like tobacco, rice and indigo were grown by these servants and stabilized the early economy of the colonists. Theme: Causation: As stated above, the cause of indentured servitude was mainly the necessity of human labor to farm and take care of the newly found land. Comparison: Compared to slaves, indentured servants were much better off. They only need to work for their owner for a period of time and they will be freed after that, regaining English citizen status. Some might even be promised land and some are treated well. While slaves had none of these benefits that the indentured servants had and were often abused, especially in the southern states. Examples: Agreed to work for a certain number of years in exchange for transportation to Virginia. Life was harsh and restrictive. Theme: Theme 8, Social Structures
Mayflower Compact
Definition: Written by the male passengers of the Mayflower (consisting of separatist Puritans, adventurers, and tradesmen), the Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony. Significance: The Mayflower Compact was written by puritans who got tired of England's policies and government. It argued for individuals to submit their wills to one general will and aimed to create a civil and just government. Everything done should be for the general good. This has great significance because the Mayflower Compact was the first document to establish self-government in the New World. It planted the seed for democracy. Examples: The first document to establish self-government Ensure their civil order and own survival Theme: Theme 6, America in the World Theme 7, American and Regional Culture
New England Confederation
Definition: a short-lived military alliance of the New England colonies of Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Saybrook, and New Haven formed in May 1643. Significance: The purpose of the New England Confederation was for protection against Native Americans and Dutch colonies. They took the first step to gain independence from England and this showed that it was possible for the colonists to escape England's control. 50.) Frame of Government (1682) Definition: The Frame of Government of Pennsylvania was a proto-constitution for the Province of Pennsylvania, a proprietary colony granted to William Penn by Charles II of England. Significance: In order to achieve religious freedom for the Quakers and other groups, William created a frame of government that prevented a ruler from assuming absolute power to the detriment of the community. He used the concept of balancing power. It became one of the most important steps on the road to democracy in America. Examples: Protect the colonists from the French in Canada and the Indians and to return runaway slaves. Theme: Theme 8, Social Structure
John Rolfe
Definition: one of the early English settlers of North America. He greatly aided the colony he settled in, Virginia, to its success. Significance: He was greatly known for being the first person to cultivate tobacco and making it into a successful business. He's credited as one of the contributors for the start of the tobacco industry. He also married Pocahontas, who was vital in maintaining the relationship between the Jamestown colonists and her father Chief Powhatan. A good relationship with the natives made Jamestown's success much easier. Examples: First person to cultivate tobacco Married Pocahontas. Theme: Theme 4, Migration and settlement Theme 7, American and Regional culture
Massachusetts Bay Colony
Definition: was an English settlement on the east coast of America around the Massachusetts Bay, the northernmost of the several colonies later reorganized as the Province of Massachusetts Bay Significance: The purpose of Massachusetts Bay Colony was to set up a society that would be like what the Puritans thought was God's ideal colony. Although religious freedom was not an option, they successfully set up a government that was free from the royals with a system that allows freemen to vote for their favored governors. Harvard University was also established here in Massachusetts Bay Colony. Examples: Had hardship, such as disease, brutal winters, and humid summers. Themes: Theme 4, Migration and settlements Theme 6, America in the World
John Peter Zenger
Definition: A German printer and journalist in New York City. Zenger printed The New York Weekly Journal. He was accused of libel in 1734 by William Cosby, the royal governor of New York, but the jury acquitted Zenger, who became a symbol for freedom of the press. Significance: He questioned the policies of the governor of New York in the 1700's. He was jailed; he sued, and this court case was the basis for our freedom of speech and press. ... Cosby had Zenger arrested and put in jail for ten months. Zenger was brought to trial and charged with seditious libel. Examples: New York printer and journalist Became a symbol for freedom of the press. Theme: Theme 7, America and Regional culture
Headright System
Definition: A grant of land, usually 50 acres, given to settlers in the 13 colonies. The system was used mainly in Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Maryland. ... It was used as a way to attract new settlers to the region and address the labor shortage. Significance: Allowed for poorer people to come to the New World who otherwise would not have been able to afford it. The system was incredibly important to the growth of the colonies, especially in the South. Tobacco farming, especially, required large tracts of land and many workers. Examples: Grant of land Used as a way to attract new settlers to the region Theme: Theme 4, Migrationa and Settlement
Mercantilism
Definition: The economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by the accumulation of profitable balances, which a government should encourage by means of protectionism. Significance: An economic policy designed to increase a nation's wealth through exports, thrived in Great Britain between the 16th and 18th centuries. Between 1640-1660, Great Britain enjoyed the greatest benefits of mercantilism. ... The resulting favorable balance of trade was thought to increase national wealth. Examples: promoted governmental regulation. augmenting state power at the expense of rival national powers. Theme: Theme 2, work, exchange, and technology
