AP US History: Unit 2 Review (1607-1754)

Major Themes

• Comparison of European motives and methods for colonizing the Americas.
• Influences of colonial goals and regional circumstances on European colonization.

European Colonization

Spain

• Established colonies for wealth extraction (cash crops, gold, silver).
• Enforced conversion to Christianity and imposed a caste system.

France

• Focused on trade (fish, fur) rather than conquest.
• Few settlers; established trading settlements in North America.
• Formed alliances with Native Americans through trade and marriage (e.g., Ojibwe).

Netherlands (Dutch)

• Established fur trading centers (e.g., Hudson River, New Amsterdam).
• Focus on economic goals with little interest in religious conversion.

Britain

• Motivated by economic opportunities, land, and religious freedom.
• Different colonial settlements based on regional goals:
  • Chesapeake (Jamestown): Profit-driven, joint-stock company, tobacco cultivation.
  • New England: Settled by families for religious motives, established agriculture and commerce.
  • British West Indies & Southern Atlantic: Year-round farming (tobacco, sugarcane), reliance on African slavery.
  • Middle Colonies: Diverse populations, export economy, emphasis on religious freedom (e.g., Pennsylvania).

Colonial Governance

• Self-governing structures due to British distance:
  • Mayflower Compact: Self-governing church congregation model.
  • House of Burgesses: Representative assembly in Virginia.
• Governance often dominated by elite classes.

Atlantic Trade System

• Development of a global economy and the triangular trade.
• Mercantilism: Favorable balance of trade (exports > imports).
• Navigation Acts: Restricted trade to benefit British economy.
• Economic changes led to urbanization and wealth for elites.

Slavery in the British Colonies

• Widespread participation in slave trade (1700-1808).
• Varied reliance on slavery across colonies:
  • New England: Few slaves.
  • Chesapeake & Southern Colonies: Many slaves, strict slave codes.
• Resistance: Covert and overt (e.g., Stono Rebellion).

Relations with Native Americans

• Conflicts and warfare, e.g., King Philip's War (Metacom's War).
• British encroachment led to Native American resistance and alliances.

Colonial Society and Religion

• Enlightenment: Emphasis on rationality, natural rights, separation of powers.
• Great Awakening: Religious revival leading to American identity formation.
• Anglicanization and resistance to British practices (e.g., impressment).

Key Takeaways

• Understanding European colonization methods and motives.
• Impact of trade and slavery on colonial development.
• Evolution of colonial governance and society.
• Growing tensions with Britain leading to future conflicts.

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