AP US History: Unit 2 (1607-1754)

Overview

• Focus on European colonization of the Americas.
• Comparison of different European powers: Spanish, French, Dutch, British.

European Colonization Strategies

Spanish Colonization

• Objective: Extract wealth via cash crops and mining.
• Methods:
  • Encomienda system: forced labor of Native Americans.
  • Conversion to Christianity.
  • Caste system based on racial ancestry.

French Colonization

• Objective: Trade-focused, especially fish and fur.
• Methods:
  • Smaller number of settlers.
  • Trading outposts instead of large settlements.
  • Intermarriage with Native Americans for alliances.

Dutch Colonization

• Objective: Economic profit, fur trading.
• Methods:
  • Established New Amsterdam (present-day New York).
  • Little interest in religious conversion.

British Colonization

• Motivations: Economic opportunity, land, religious freedom.
• Methods:
  • Various types of colonies: Chesapeake, New England, Caribbean.
  • Joint-stock companies for financing.

British Colonies

Chesapeake Region

• Jamestown (1607): First permanent British settlement.
• Economy: Tobacco cultivation, use of indentured servants.
• Conflict: Tensions with Native Americans, Bacon's Rebellion.

New England Colonies

• Settled by Pilgrims (1620): Focus on religious community.
• Economy: Family farming and commerce.

British West Indies and Southern Colonies

• Economy: Sugar cane cultivation, heavy reliance on African slaves.

Middle Colonies

• Economy: Export of cereal crops, diverse population.
• Notable Colony: Pennsylvania, founded by Quakers, notable for religious freedom and negotiation with Native Americans.

Atlantic Trade and Economy

Triangular Trade

• Cycle: New England (rum) -> West Africa (slaves) -> West Indies (sugar) -> New England.

Mercantilism

• Objective: Favorable balance of trade.
• Role of Colonies: Source of raw materials.
• Navigation Acts: Laws to control colonial trade.

Slavery in British Colonies

• Prevalence: All colonies involved, especially in the South.
• Revolts: Stono Rebellion (1739) as significant resistance.
• Labor: Transition from indentured servitude to African slavery.

Relations with Native Americans

Metacom's War (1675)

• Conflict: British encroachment led to Indian alliances and attacks.
• Outcome: British victory with Mohawk alliance.

Colonial Society and Religion

The Enlightenment

• Impact: Emphasis on reason and natural rights.
• Influence: Ideas of John Locke, social contract.

The Great Awakening

• Leaders: Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield.
• Impact: Religious revival, creation of American identity.

Political Developments

• Self-Governance: Mayflower Compact, House of Burgesses.
• Anglicanization: Colonies becoming more British-like.
• Resistance: Growing frustration, examples like impressment.

Conclusion

• Understanding of natural rights and increasing colonial resistance to British policies paved the way for future conflicts.