Ch 2: Settling North America (1497-1732): Help and Review

1. North American Exploration & Failed Colonies of France & England

Between 1497 and 1607, the rulers and leading citizens of European nations fought to establish their own empires in North America, as Spain had been doing for 100 years in South America. Learn about influential explorers and their failed attempts to establish their own New World colonies.

2. The Settlement of Jamestown Colony

In 1607, the London Company settled the colony of Jamestown. The settlers overcame many odds to become the first permanent, English settlement in North America. In this lesson, learn about the failures and successes of Jamestown before it was taken over by the Crown.

3. New France, New Netherlands & New Sweden: North American Settlements

Spain and England weren't the only European nations trying to establish colonies in the New World. The French had a foothold for more than a century, and the Dutch and Swedish fought for their own places in America.

4. The Mayflower and the Plymouth Rock Settlement

Find out how much you know about the Pilgrims and their voyage. In this lesson, you'll learn about the misplaced Plymouth Colony, its escaped indentured servants, and the Wampanoag Indians who saved their lives.

5. The Puritans and the Founding of the New England Colonies

Learn about the people and motives that led to the founding of Massachusetts Bay Colony, as well as the growth and internal dissent that led to the establishment of Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire.

6. The Southern Colonies: Settlement and Growth

What led to the use of slavery and the creation of different colonies? In this lesson, learn about the unique purposes and patterns of settlement, growth and society in the southern colonies (Virginia, Maryland, the Carolinas, and Georgia).

7. The Middle Colonies: New York, Delaware, New Jersey & Pennsylvania

Learn about the unique identity and diversity of the middle colonies that led America to be called a melting pot. English control of the middle colonies began with the takeover of New Netherland, from which all of the other middle colonies can trace their beginnings.

8. The 13 Colonies: Life in Early America

What was it like to live in America during the colonial period? Just like today, it depended where you were. Learn about the factors that categorized all of the American colonies, as well as the differences between the northern, middle and southern colonies.

9. Rise of Slave Trade: Black History in Colonial America

In this lesson, you'll learn a little about the slave trade, the growth and characteristics of slavery in the colonial period - including laws regulating the institution and the population of free blacks in the English colonies.

10. The 13 Colonies: Developing Economy & Overseas Trade

England's intention had always been for the colonies to make them rich. The plan worked, but it became more difficult for England to make sure things stayed that way. And even with regulation, the colonies prospered, too.

11. The 13 Colonies: World Events that Influenced Colonial America

How come New York seems like part of the Northeast instead of a Middle colony? Where did the Amish come from? What gave colonists the idea that they had a right to representation when there was a king? What's the difference between England and Great Britain? If these were English colonies, how come so many Americans say they have Scottish or Scots-Irish ancestry? This lesson answers these questions and other mysteries of American history.

12. Joint-Stock Company in Jamestown: History, Advantages & Disadvantages

Learn about the history of the Virginia Company, the joint-stock company that founded the colony at Jamestown in 1607, and understand the advantages and disadvantages in using a joint-stock company to establish a colony.

13. Pequot War of 1637: Summary & Timeline

Between 1636 and 1637, one of the first engagements between the Native Indians and the English Puritans transpired in the newly formed colony of Connecticut. Learn about the preliminary events, the conflict, and the outcome of the Pequot War.

14. Peter Stuyvesant: Biography & Facts

Peter Stuyvesant was the director general of the Dutch colony of New Netherlands and was its governor from 1647 to 1664. This lesson will detail his life's experiences, with emphasis on his leadership in North America.

15. Philadelphia: History & Facts

One could argue that Philadelphia was the single most important city in early American history. Not only was Philadelphia a key center of the American Revolution but it also served as the capital of the United States of America for a brief time.

16. Protectorate: Definition & Examples

A protectorate is a country or territory under the control of another nation. In this lesson, we'll read about America's first protectorate, Cuba, after which, you'll have a chance to test yourself with a quiz.

17. Puritan Work Ethic: Definition & Overview

In this lesson we will learn about the Protestant work ethic. We will define the term as it applies to both theology and sociology, and we will learn how it is commonly understood.

18. Puritanism in Colonial America: Beliefs & Definition

Puritanism was an important aspect of Colonial America. Learn about their early history, as well as their religious beliefs, society, politics, and problems as they tried to make successful colonies in the New World.

19. Puritans in America: Beliefs, Religion & History

Learn about the Puritans, a religious group that settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1600s. Explore the world and religious views of these important immigrants to the American colonies.

20. Salem Witch Trials of 1692: Facts, History & Causes

While the term 'witch-hunt' has become part of our common vocabulary, it has roots in the hysteria that befell Salem Village, Massachusetts, at the close of the seventeenth century. Develop an understanding of the Salem witch trials and test your knowledge with a short quiz.

21. Sea Dog Sir Walter Raleigh, Explorer: Facts, Route & History

Sir Walter Raleigh was a famous sea dog, favorite to the English Queen Elizabeth I, and explorer during the Age of Exploration. Learn about sea dogs, Raleigh's important expeditions to the New World, Raleigh's life, and how he brought changes to both England and the Americas.

22. Separatists: Definition & Examples

Investigate the reasons why Separatists sought to leave the Church of England and ultimately preserve their community and religious identity in America. Afterward, check your understanding with a quiz.

23. Serf: Definition, System & Life

Serfs were the lowest level on the feudal pyramid in the Middle Ages. This lesson will cover the definition of a serf, their role in the bigger picture, and daily life for those in this position.

24. Sioux Indian Tribe: History, Facts & Culture

In this lesson, you'll travel back in time and learn about the Sioux Indian tribe of the Great Plains, including their origins and culture. Topics covered will include the Great Sioux War of 1876, Battle of the Little Bighorn, and Massacre at Wounded Knee.

25. Slash and Burn in Agriculture: Definition and Method

Slash and burning is a basic type of agriculture which involves cutting down and burning existing foliage in order to clear land and prepare it for cultivation.

26. Squanto: Biography, History & Relationship with the Pilgrims

America's history concerning Native Americans seems to be filled with lies and death. That has not always been the case, though. There have been times that, without the assistance from the natives, settlers would not have survived. Learn here about Squanto, the Patuxet Indian that befriended the Pilgrims.

27. The Corps of Discovery: Definition, Timeline & Members

The Corps of Discovery were the first Americans to explore new lands purchased for the U.S. and its people. Learn about this important group's formation, membership, and key dates of their trip in this lesson.

28. The Dominion Of New England: Definition & Overview

This lesson will cover the Dominion of New England. We will define the Dominion, examine its background, consider its purpose, look at it in action, and discuss its downfall.

29. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut: Definition, Summary & Significance

Learn how the Fundamental Orders distinguished Connecticut colonies from Massachusetts' governance and how the agreement encouraged Connecticut to declare itself the Constitution State.

30. The Golden Age of Piracy: Timeline, Facts & Ships

This lesson will introduce you to what has been dubbed, The Golden Age of Piracy. You will read about well-known pirates, their flagships, and the government's response to piracy.

31. Who is Hernando de Soto? - Facts, Accomplishments & Biography

Hernando de Soto was an important figure in the Spanish conquest of the New World in the 1500s. In this lesson, we'll discuss his triumphs in Central and South America, and his ultimate failure in North America.

32. Vasco Nunez de Balboa: Facts, Route & Timeline

Vasco Nunez de Balboa (c. 1475 to 1519) was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who was the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean by crossing the New World. His violence in pursuit of wealth and power ultimately led to his death by beheading.

33. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado: Facts, Timeline & Route

This lesson will focus on Francisco Vazquesz de Coronado y Lujan (1510 to 1554), an explorer and conquistador who dreamed of fame, fortune, and the seven cities of gold. Turning the seven cities into reality, however, proved a tough chore.

34. Juan Ponce de Leon: Facts, Timeline & Route

In this lesson, you will learn about the Spanish explorer and conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon and his historic quest for gold and the Fountain of Youth.

35. Peninsulares: Definition & Explanation

Colonial Latin American societies were structured in a hierarchical system that interwove ethnicity, class and race. In this lesson, you will learn about the peninsulares, who were a special group at the pinnacle of that system.

36. Hernan Cortes: Accomplishments, Exploration Route & the Aztecs

A young soldier with little military experience named Hernan Cortes conquered Mexico with only 500 men in 1521. This lesson will explain how he defeated one of the greatest empires in the world.

37. Hernan Cortes: Facts, Biography, Quotes & Timeline

In 1519, a 34-year old soldier with little military experience named Hernan Cortes defeated the Aztec Empire with only 500 men. Find out how he used gunpowder, smallpox and a Mexican mistress to conquer one of the most powerful empires in the world.

38. What was the American Indian Movement? - History & Timeline

The American Indian Movement was a militant protest group born in 1968 during the 1960's Protest Era. Influenced by the Black Panthers, its goal was to secure treaty rights and improve the lives of the Native American population on reservations and in the cities, often through confrontational means via major protest events.

39. Yamasee War: Summary & Facts

Fed up with enslavement and chained to debt, the Yamasee and their allies attacked the British colonists in South Carolina in 1715. Learn about the Yamasee War and check yourself with a quiz.

40. Treaty of Tripoli in 1797: Article 11

In 1796, the United States signed a treaty with the Barbary State of Tripoli. While the purpose of the treaty was to end a long-standing disagreement, Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli has had a different significance over time.

41. The Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819

Before Florida was the home to Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney World, it was a colony owned by the Spanish. This lesson explains how the United States acquired Florida through the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819.

42. Treaty of Paris in 1783: Definition & Terms

The Battle of Yorktown in 1781 was the last battle of the American Revolution, but did you know the war did not officially come to an end until 1783? This lesson explains the major points of the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

43. Gadsden Purchase: Definition & Summary

During the 1840s and 1850s, the United States and Mexico had a good deal of conflict, which eventually led to the Gadsden Purchase made in 1854. This lesson explains the origins and outcomes of the deal.