1. North American Settlement
North American settlement by the Europeans was unique because of the introduction of the slave trade.
Societies all over the world had slaves- this was not unique to Europe. Most of these slaves were
Prisoners of war
Criminals (esp. debtors)
Not in a position of permanent slavery
The Portuguese came to Africa to
trade and first brought indentured
servants to the Americas. This
evolved into the “slave trade”.

2. The slave trade became a dominant force in shaping North American settlements.

3. French Dutch first American settlement was in Quebec
Worked closely with the Native Americans – had a mostly positive relationship
French settled more in the West Indies than on the North American continent
Dutch
Wealthy manufacturing
country
Motivated by profit
Henry Hudson claimed
territory for Dutch
(New Amsterdam – later
named New York)
Dutch West India Co.
Moved whole families
(unlike the British)

4. English Motivated by economic, religious and political reasons
The newness, adventure and possibility of wealth attracted permanent settlers
Joint-stock companies funded original settlements (Jamestown – Virginia Co.)
Based on a system of mercantilism (putting the good/wealth of the nation – Britain – above the needs of individuals)
Tobacco was a
major cash crop

5. This led to Puritan v. Separatist debate
Protestant Reformation occurring in Europe – Protestant v. Catholic, Martin Luther challenged the Catholic church, Calvinism and predestination, King henry VIII broke ties with Catholic church
Protestantism became the only permissible religion in England (Church of England – started by Queen Elizabeth)
This led to Puritan v. Separatist debate
Puritans wanted to “purify” the Anglican church and get rid of any Catholic influences
Separatists wanted to “separate” completely from the Church of England

6. Irish Irish were loyal to the Catholic church
Had their own language (Gaelic) and culture – were seen as “savages” by the British (Sir Humphrey Gilbert justified his killing of Irishmen by calling them “savages”)
England began to colonize/settle in Ireland – this led to ongoing conflict (Protestantism v. Catholicism)