ap us history notes chapter 2

4 min read 02-02-2025

This chapter explores the establishment and development of the thirteen British colonies in the 17th century, laying the groundwork for the future United States. We'll examine the diverse motivations behind colonization, the varying colonial experiences, and the seeds of conflict that would eventually lead to revolution.

I. The Shaping of English Colonialism:

A. Early English Attempts and the Roanoke Mystery: The early attempts at English colonization were largely failures, hampered by poor planning, disease, and conflict with Native Americans. The infamous Roanoke Colony, established in 1587, vanished without a trace, leaving behind only the word "Croatoan" carved into a post. The reasons for its disappearance remain a mystery, highlighting the challenges faced by early settlers.

B. The Virginia Company and Jamestown (1607): The Virginia Company, a joint-stock company, established Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America. Early struggles with disease, starvation, and conflict with the Powhatan Confederacy nearly led to its demise. The introduction of tobacco cultivation proved crucial to Jamestown's survival, creating a lucrative cash crop and attracting further investment. The establishment of Jamestown marks a pivotal moment in the history of English colonization, laying the foundation for future settlements along the Atlantic coast.

C. The Development of Indentured Servitude: The labor force in early Virginia relied heavily on indentured servitude. Indentured servants were individuals who agreed to work for a specified number of years in exchange for passage to America. This system provided a crucial source of labor for the burgeoning tobacco industry, but it also created social tensions as indentured servants eventually gained their freedom and competed for land and resources with the wealthy elite.

II. The Chesapeake Colonies: Virginia and Maryland:

A. Virginia's Evolution: Virginia evolved from a struggling settlement to a prosperous colony, fueled by tobacco cultivation and a growing population. The House of Burgesses, established in 1619, represented an early step towards self-government. However, the colony remained largely dominated by a wealthy planter class. Bacon's Rebellion (1676) underscored the social tensions between the wealthy elite and the poorer classes, highlighting the growing unrest amongst those who were no longer indentured servants.

B. Maryland and Religious Tolerance (Sort Of): Maryland was founded as a haven for Catholics, but it never fully achieved religious tolerance. The Act of Toleration (1649) offered religious freedom to Christians, but it excluded those outside of that faith. This demonstrates the complex and often contradictory nature of religious freedom in the early colonies.

III. New England Colonies:

A. The Pilgrims and Plymouth (1620): The Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, established the Plymouth Colony. Their survival was attributed to their strong community bonds and assistance from the Wampanoag Native Americans, as demonstrated by the first Thanksgiving.

B. The Puritans and Massachusetts Bay Colony (1630): The Puritans, seeking to reform the Church of England, founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony. They established a theocratic society, where religious authority and political authority were intertwined. This resulted in a stricter, more rigid social structure than that of the Chesapeake colonies.

C. Religious Dissent and the Expansion of New England: Religious dissent within the Massachusetts Bay Colony led to the establishment of new colonies, such as Rhode Island (founded by Roger Williams), Connecticut, and New Hampshire. This expansion reflects the diversity of religious beliefs and the challenges in maintaining a homogeneous religious community.

IV. The Middle Colonies: A Diverse Landscape:

A. New York: From Dutch to English: New York began as a Dutch colony (New Netherland), but it was conquered by the English in 1664. Its diverse population reflected its history as a trading center.

B. Pennsylvania and the Quakers: William Penn established Pennsylvania as a haven for Quakers, a group known for their pacifism and belief in religious tolerance. Pennsylvania’s inclusive approach attracted a diverse population, contributing to its prosperity.

C. The Middle Colonies as a Melting Pot: The Middle Colonies, encompassing New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, stood out for their relatively diverse populations and more tolerant religious climates compared to New England or the Chesapeake. This cultural melting pot influenced the development of a unique regional identity.

V. The Southern Colonies:

A. The Carolinas: Rice and Slavery: The Carolinas developed a plantation economy based on rice cultivation, which relied heavily on enslaved labor. This laid the foundation for a rigidly stratified social system, where wealth and power were concentrated in the hands of a small planter elite.

B. Georgia and its Purpose: Georgia was founded as a buffer colony between the other southern colonies and Spanish Florida. Initially, it attempted to prohibit slavery, but this restriction was eventually lifted.

VI. Native American Experiences:

Throughout the 17th century, Native Americans faced immense challenges due to European colonization. Disease, land dispossession, and warfare dramatically altered their lives and cultures. The relationships between colonists and Native Americans varied, ranging from cooperation and intermarriage to brutal conflict and displacement. This period witnessed the beginning of a long and complex history of interactions between the indigenous populations and European settlers, which would fundamentally shape the course of American history.

This provides a solid foundation for understanding Chapter 2 of your AP US History curriculum. Remember to consult your textbook and other resources for a more detailed analysis. Good luck with your studies!