Unit 1: Colonization Review Notes

Important historically because he initiated the cultural exchange between Europe and the New World Mistakenly called the “first person to find America” Italian explorer that sailed for Spain, will make 3 voyages across the ocean without ever knowing he was really in an uncharted region and not off the coast of India Christopher Columbus

The Americas Prior to European Exploration Was full of thriving Native American tribes, some of which were living in cities larger than Paris, Rome or London Trade routes and political systems already existed for hundreds if not thousands of years Many natives were actually very intelligent, they just did not speak European languages or conform to European norms The Americas Prior to European Exploration

Tribes of the Great Plains Depended heavily on the bison/buffalo for everything from food to clothing to shelter Nomadic and their survival was based on the health of the animal herd and health of the land They contrasted with many Europeans due to their belief and desire to leave as little impact on the land around them for others to use as much as them

Initial Exploration by The Europeans Originally they are looking for a faster, safer and more financially rewarding sea route to Asia and India, it was called the Northwest Passage Spain sent conquistadors to convert the natives, search for gold and defend the empire of Spain (the 3 G’s: God, Gold, Glory) Natives found many relationships with Spain to be violent, with England filled with scams and lies, but with France they were treated relatively respectfully

Early English Settlers In the New World England’s first three attempts to colonize the New World failed at Roanoke Island in present day North Carolina (The Lost Colony) in 1585 The first permanent English settlement in the New World was at Jamestown in present day Virginia in 1607 A religious group of pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock in present day Massachusetts in 1620 The Mayflower Compact is an important document as it is the first attempt by colonist to self govern and establish laws Early English Settlers In the New World

Early English Experiences Many people leaving England arrived in the new British American Colonies for religious freedom, to gain wealth and to start over with a new life In Virginia the House of Burgesses was created as the first American political assembly England viewed most American colonists and political institutions as free to make their own laws and trade deals as long as Britian profited from the deal and the colonists remained loyal to the crown Bacon’s Rebellion will be started by settlers against their own governor and is important because it is the first known attempt of the colonists unite against a common foe in the name of freedom Early English Experiences

The New England Colonies Originally started by those looking for religious freedom and focused on community growth, good harbors and abundant forests Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island

The Middle Colonies Very fertile soil but limited in growing season due to the harsh winters, created for a mix of wealth and religious freedom Many lived relatively civil with the natives Quakers in Pennsylvania, Swedes in Delaware, Dutch in New York and New Jersey – England will quickly remove the Dutch, Swedes and claim their colonies

The Southern Colonies Extremely fertile soil with multiple growing seasons, these colonies were created for wealth Georgia was created as a debtor’s prison and to create a buffer zone between the wealthy southern colonies and Spain, Maryland was created for Catholics, Virginia and the Carolinas for tobacco and cotton production Relations with natives were often tense and ended in conflict between tribal tradition and Anglican law