Study Guide for APUSH Period 1 and 2: The Settlement and Colonization of North America
Introduction
The Settlement and Colonization of North America is a crucial period in American history. It saw the arrival of European explorers, the establishment of colonies, and the emergence of the United States as a nation. This quizlet will help you review key concepts and events from APUSH Periods 1 and 2.
Table of Contents
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Period 1: Pre-Columbian America
- Early Native American Societies
- European Exploration and Contact
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Period 2: Colonial America
- The Founding of the Colonies
- British Imperial Policy
- Colonial Society and Culture
Period 1: Pre-Columbian America
Early Native American Societies
- By 10,000 BCE, Native Americans had spread across the Americas.
- Native American societies were diverse, ranging from nomadic hunter-gatherers to settled agriculturalists.
- The Iroquois Confederacy was a powerful alliance of six Native American tribes that dominated the Northeast.
European Exploration and Contact
- Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492.
- European powers established colonies in North America, including the Spanish, French, and English.
- European contact had a profound impact on Native American societies, bringing with it disease, warfare, and cultural disruption.
Period 2: Colonial America
The Founding of the Colonies
- The English established the first permanent settlements in North America at Jamestown (1607) and Plymouth (1620).
- Other colonies were founded by religious groups, economic ventures, and political exiles.
- The colonies gradually expanded westward, displacing Native American populations.
British Imperial Policy
- Britain imposed mercantilist policies on the colonies, aimed at controlling their trade and economy.
- The colonies resented British restrictions, which led to growing tensions.
- The Stamp Act of 1765 sparked widespread protests and resistance in the colonies.
Colonial Society and Culture
- Colonial society was hierarchical, with a small elite at the top and a majority of poor farmers and laborers at the bottom.
- Puritanism was a dominant religious force in many colonies, shaping their social and cultural values.
- Education was primarily limited to the wealthy and elite.
- The Great Awakening was a religious revival movement that swept through the colonies in the 1740s.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Oversimplifying Native American societies. Native American societies were complex and varied.
- Underestimating the impact of European colonization. European contact had a profound and lasting impact on Native American societies.
- Ignoring the role of women and minorities. Women and minorities played important roles in colonial society, but their contributions are often overlooked.
- Assuming that the colonies were united. The colonies were diverse and often had conflicting interests.
How to Study for the SBMC Exam
- Review the course content thoroughly. Use this quizlet, textbooks, and class notes to review key concepts and events.
- Practice answering multiple-choice questions. The SBMC exam is a multiple-choice test. Practice answering questions to improve your test-taking skills.
- Take practice tests. Practice tests can help you identify areas where you need more review.
- Manage your time effectively. The SBMC exam is timed. Practice managing your time so that you can answer all of the questions.
Why APUSH Period 1 and 2 Matter
The Settlement and Colonization of North America laid the foundation for the United States as a nation. The events and experiences of this period shaped American society, culture, and institutions. Understanding this period is essential for understanding the history of the United States.
Benefits of Studying APUSH Period 1 and 2
- Gain a deeper understanding of the origins of the United States.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Improve your test-taking abilities.
- Prepare for future college courses in American history.
Supplemental Resources
Additional Keywords
- Pre-Columbian America
- European exploration
- Native American societies
- Colonialism
- British imperialism
- Puritanism
- Great Awakening
- American Revolution
Useful Tables
| Topic | Important Dates | Key Events | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Columbian America | 10,000 BCE | Native Americans spread across the Americas | Establishment of diverse Native American societies |
| European Exploration | 1492 | Christopher Columbus arrives in the Americas | Beginning of European colonization |
| Colonial America | 1607 | Jamestown, Virginia, founded | Establishment of the first permanent English colony |
| Revolutionary War | 1775-1783 | American colonies declare independence from Great Britain | Birth of the United States |
Creative New Words:
- AmeriGenesis: The process of the settlement and colonization of North America.
- Colonia: A settlement established by a foreign power.
- Imperialism: The policy of extending a country’s political and economic control over other territories.
- Puritan: A member of a Protestant religious movement that emphasized strict adherence to biblical principles.
- Revolution: A sudden and dramatic change in government or society.