APUSH Review Unit 2 (Period 2: 1607-1754)—Everything You NEED To Know

Recent questions

• What is European colonization?

  European colonization refers to the process by which European powers established control over territories in the Americas and other regions, primarily from the 15th to the 18th centuries. This involved the settlement of Europeans in these areas, often driven by motives such as the extraction of wealth, trade opportunities, and the spread of Christianity. Different European nations, including the Spanish, French, Dutch, and British, employed various methods and strategies to colonize, which included establishing settlements, forming alliances with indigenous peoples, and exploiting local resources. The impact of colonization was profound, leading to significant cultural exchanges, economic changes, and often violent conflicts with native populations.

• How did the Spanish colonize the Americas?

  The Spanish colonization of the Americas was primarily motivated by the desire to extract wealth through the exploitation of natural resources, particularly gold and silver, as well as the cultivation of cash crops. The Spanish established a caste system based on racial ancestry, which dictated social hierarchy and privileges. They also sought to convert Native Americans to Christianity, often through missionary efforts. The Spanish approach involved both military conquest and the establishment of settlements, leading to significant cultural and demographic changes in the regions they colonized. This colonization had lasting effects on indigenous populations, including population decline due to disease and violence.

• What was the role of trade in French colonization?

  Trade played a central role in French colonization, as the French focused on establishing trading settlements rather than large-scale territorial conquest. Their primary interests were in the fur and fish trade, which led to the establishment of Quebec as the first permanent settlement in North America. The French formed strategic alliances with Native American tribes, often marrying into these communities to strengthen trade ties and ensure mutual benefits. This approach allowed the French to maintain a relatively cooperative relationship with indigenous peoples, contrasting with the more aggressive tactics employed by other European powers. The emphasis on trade significantly shaped the economic landscape of the regions they colonized.

• What caused British colonization in America?

  British colonization in America was driven by a combination of economic turmoil, social changes, and the search for religious freedom. Economic factors included inflation and the enclosure movement, which displaced many rural workers, prompting them to seek new opportunities across the Atlantic. The establishment of colonies was also influenced by the desire for religious freedom, as various groups, including the Pilgrims and Puritans, sought to create societies based on their beliefs. The first permanent British settlement, Jamestown, was founded in 1607, and while it faced initial hardships, the introduction of tobacco cultivation transformed its economy. This colonization led to the establishment of diverse colonies with varying economic and social structures.

• How did enslaved people resist their conditions?

  Enslaved people employed a variety of strategies to resist their conditions, both covertly and overtly. Covert resistance included maintaining cultural customs, sabotaging work by breaking tools or ruining seeds, and feigning illness to avoid labor. These subtle acts of defiance allowed enslaved individuals to assert some control over their lives despite the oppressive system. Overt resistance was exemplified by events like the Stono Rebellion in 1739, where a group of enslaved people armed themselves, killed store owners, and marched in an attempt to escape to freedom. This rebellion resulted in violent confrontations with colonial militias, highlighting the tensions and struggles inherent in the institution of slavery. Such acts of resistance were crucial in shaping the dynamics of power and control in colonial society.