APUSH Period 2 (1607-1754) Overview

Key Themes

• Colonization Differences:
  • Spanish, French, English, and Dutch colonization had similarities and differences.
  • English colonies largely self-governed, ignoring English mercantile laws (Period of "salutary neglect").
  • Complex relationships between Native Americans and Europeans.
  • Development of slavery in the colonies.

Societal Emergence and Colonization Goals

• Different societies emerged as Europeans and Native Americans fought for dominance.
• Goals and environments led to diverse societies.
• Spanish:
  • Tight control; conversion and exploitation of Natives.
  • Established in Florida, Southwest, Mexico, Peru, Cuba.
  • First settlement: St. Augustine (1565).
• French and Dutch:
  • Few settlers, focusing on trade alliances (fur trade).
  • Intermarriage common.
  • French: Quebec (1608), fur trading, alliances with Native tribes.
  • Dutch: New Amsterdam, diverse colony, Beaver Wars.
• English:
  • Permanent settlements due to agricultural focus.
  • Hostile relationships with Native Americans.

English Colonial Variations

• Regional Differences:
  • New England: Religious motives, Puritans, mixed economy.
    • Notable figures: Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson.
  • Middle Colonies: Diverse population, religious freedom (e.g., Quakers).
  • Chesapeake Colonies: Economic motives, tobacco economy.
    • Transition to African slavery post-Bacon's Rebellion.
  • Southern Colonies: Plantation economy, reliance on slave labor.

Colonial Identity and Developments

• Development of religious freedom and diversity.
  • First Great Awakening as a key moment.
• Evolution of democratic institutions:
  • Mayflower Compact, town hall meetings, House of Burgesses.
• Anglicization of institutions.

Conflicts and Interactions

• European colonization led to intercultural contacts and conflicts.
• Key Conflicts:
  • Pequot War, King Philip's War, Pueblo Revolt, Beaver Wars.

Economic and Political Tensions

• Mercantilist laws and colonial resistance (Navigation Acts, smuggling).
• Growing mistrust between colonies and England, foreshadowing future conflicts.

Slavery and Racial Hierarchies

• Development of the British American System of slavery.
• Rigid racial hierarchy without intermarriage seen in other European colonies.
• African resistance to slavery.

Conclusion

• Period 2 sets the stage for future American developments and conflicts with colonial powers and Native populations.