American History: Jamestown and Early Colonies

Questions and Answers

What were joint stock companies?

Companies that only produce food

Companies owned by a single individual

Companies owned by shareholders (correct)

Companies that cannot make profits

What was significant about Jamestown?

It was the first English colony in America.

Who helped lead Jamestown during its early years?

Captain John Smith

Who was Pocahontas?

She was the wife of John Rolfe and helped develop tobacco in Jamestown. Signup and view all the answers

A royal colony is governed by a company.

False Signup and view all the answers

What were Separatists?

They were people who wanted to separate the Church of England from royal control. Signup and view all the answers

What are Pilgrims known for?

They were separatists who traveled for religious freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Mayflower Compact?

The governing document of the Plymouth colony. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Great Migration?

A movement of over 15,000 Puritans to Massachusetts. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Virginia House of Burgesses?

The first representative assembly in the colonies. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms and Concepts

Joint Stock Company
- Owned by shareholders who invest by purchasing shares.
- Facilitated large financial endeavors and risk-sharing in ventures.
Jamestown
- Established in 1607 as the first English colony in America.
- Chartered by King James I through the Virginia Company, allowing self-governance.
Captain John Smith
- Key leader of Jamestown during its early years (first five years).
- Addressed struggles with disease and tensions with Native Americans.
Pocahontas
- Married to John Rolfe, played a significant role in colonist-Native American relations.
- Contributed to the development of a profitable tobacco variety that boosted Jamestown's economy.
Royal Colony
- Following Jamestown's decline, King James I revoked the Virginia Company's charter.
- Jamestown became the first royal colony, directly governed by the king.
Separatists
- Individuals seeking to break away from the Church of England's influence and royal authority.
Pilgrims
- A group of separatists known for their travels to America for religious freedom.
- Led by Dutch influences to establish a new colony.
Mayflower Compact
- The governing document created by Pilgrims upon landing on American shores.
- Established a new colony instead of proceeding to Jamestown, highlighting self-governance.
Great Migration
- A significant movement of settlers, nearly 15,000, to Massachusetts Bay due to civil unrest in England.
- Led by John Winthrop, resulting in the foundation of Boston and other communities.
Virginia House of Burgesses
- The first representative assembly in America, created in 1619.
- Established a legislative framework for the Virginia colony, reflecting early democratic governance.

Description

Test your knowledge on the foundational aspects of Jamestown and its significance in American history. This quiz covers key figures like Captain John Smith and Pocahontas, as well as the economic and governance structures of the early colonies. Perfect for anyone studying early American history!