Overview
This lecture provides a chronological overview of European colonization of the Americas from Columbus's landing in 1492 to the American Revolution in 1776, focusing on motivations, regional strategies, impacts on indigenous peoples, and major colonial powers.
Motives & Early Exploration
- Europeans sought new trade routes after the Ottomans blocked the Silk Road in 1453.
- Spanish and Portuguese led early Atlantic exploration to find direct access to Asian riches.
- Columbus's 1492 voyage, sponsored by Spain, resulted in European contact with the Americas.
- The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) divided new lands between Spain (west) and Portugal (east).
Spanish & Portuguese Colonization
- Spain quickly established colonies in the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America, driven by gold and silver.
- Spanish conquest relied on superior weaponry, horses, and diseases like smallpox.
- Portugal claimed Brazil in 1500, initially focusing on Brazilwood and later on sugar plantations.
- Both powers exploited indigenous labor and, as populations declined, imported African slaves.
British, French, and Dutch Colonization
- French efforts focused on Canada (Quebec, fur trade), but early attempts were often unsuccessful.
- English colonization began with failed Roanoke (1585), then successful Jamestown (1607) and Plymouth (1620).
- The Dutch established New Amsterdam (later New York) as a trading colony, mainly for fur.
- All three powers built colonies using joint stock companies and operated under mercantilism—aiming for export surpluses.
Indigenous Peoples and Slavery
- European colonization devastated native populations through disease, violence, and land seizure.
- Colonists alternated between exploiting, allying with, and warring against native groups.
- Labor shortages led to the mass importation of African slaves, especially for sugar and tobacco.
- Slavery became central to colonial economies in Brazil, the Caribbean, and southern British colonies.
Colonial Rivalry and Expansion
- European wars frequently extended into the Americas, driving shifting control of territories.
- The Dutch lost Brazil to Portugal and New Netherland to England in the 17th century.
- Britain expanded into the Carolinas, Caribbean, and Mid-Atlantic colonies; Pennsylvania was founded as a Quaker haven.
Economic & Social Structures
- Mercantilism dictated strict trade controls and discouraged colonial trade with rival nations.
- Sugar (Caribbean, Brazil) and tobacco (Virginia) became key cash crops.
- Racial hierarchies and slave codes developed, especially as enslaved Africans outnumbered Europeans in some colonies.
Imperial Crisis & Revolution
- British attempts to tax American colonies after the Seven Years’ War met growing resistance ("no taxation without representation").
- Escalating protests (e.g., Boston Tea Party) led to the formation of the Continental Congress.
- The American Revolution (1775–1783) resulted in the independence of the United States, sparking further colonial independence movements.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Silk Road — Overland trade route connecting Europe and Asia.
- Treaty of Tordesillas — 1494 agreement dividing the Americas between Spain and Portugal.
- Joint Stock Company — Business entity where investors buy shares; funded many colonial ventures.
- Mercantilism — Economic policy focused on maximizing exports and minimizing imports.
- Encomienda System — Spanish labor system exploiting indigenous workers.
- Middle Passage — Route transporting enslaved Africans to the Americas.
- Maroon Society — Communities of escaped slaves in the Americas.
- Seven Years’ War — Global conflict (1756–1763); called French and Indian War in North America.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review assigned textbook chapters on the Age of Exploration and colonial America.
- Prepare a timeline of major colonial events from 1492 to 1776.
- Research the impact of mercantilism on colonial economic development.
- Read primary sources about early indigenous-European encounters.