AP U.S. History: European Colonization (1607-1754)

Overview

• Focus on European colonies developed and expanded in America
• Time period: 1607-1754
• Major European players: Spanish, French, Dutch, British

Spanish Colonization

• Purpose: Extract wealth, mainly through agriculture and mining
• Labor: Subjugated natives under the encomienda system; replaced with African forced labor when necessary
• Social Structure: Introduced caste system based on racial ancestry
• Religion: Aimed to convert natives to Christianity via missions, met with mixed success (e.g., Pueblo Revolts)

French Colonization

• Initial Interest: Began in 1524, looking for a water route to Asia
• Colonization: Samuel de Champlain established Quebec in 1608
• Focus: Trade, especially fish and fur
• Settlements: Few permanent settlers; mainly trading posts
• Native Relations: Formed alliances, marriages for trading ties (e.g., Ojibwe Indians)

Dutch Colonization

• Goal: Find a water passage; sent Henry Hudson
• Settlement: New Amsterdam established in 1624
• Purpose: Economic, focused on trade
• Religious Interest: Little to no interest in converting natives

British Colonization

• Motivations:
  • Economic opportunities due to changes in English economy (Columbian Exchange impact)
  • Nobles and peasants both seeking new opportunities
  • Religious freedom and improved living conditions for some
• Settlement Style: Family groups establishing homes
• Native Relations:
  • Initial peaceful coexistence
  • Shift to tension and violence as land was encroached upon
  • Unlike Spanish, did not subjugate but expelled natives

Conclusion

• Differences in colonization strategies among European powers
• Importance of understanding these differences for U.S. history

Additional Notes

• British colonization had significant long-term impact on U.S. history
• Future videos will explore further topics related to colonization

Study Tips

• Focus on understanding the motivations and methods of each European power
• Pay attention to how native relations differed among the colonizing countries
• Consider the impact of economic and religious motivations on colonization efforts

Resources

• Recommended: Review pack for AP U.S. History exam preparation