Teleology and Contingency in History

A form of government where power is held by a single person, often a king or queen, and passed down through their family.

A system of government controlled by a small group of wealthy individuals.

A system of government where citizens directly vote on laws and policies.

A government system in Ancient Rome where citizens elected representatives to make decisions for them.

A system of government where the highest class holds power and influences decision-making.

A system of government where power is held by a religious leader or group.

A system of government where society is structured based on service and responsibility.

A council of lords summoned by a king or lord to advise on important decisions.

History viewed as a series of predetermined events with a fixed outcome.

History viewed as a series of events with multiple potential outcomes, based on the choices and actions of individuals.

A method of studying history focused on understanding the specific context and motivations of individuals and events within their time.

Looking at a specific event in history with a narrow focus, examining details and context.

Examining history through a broad perspective, considering multiple events and their interconnectedness.

The spread of Christianity across the Mediterranean, facilitated by the Roman Empire and the influence of Constantine.

Trade routes that developed and evolved due to geographical factors, political agendas, and the increasing demand for resources.

The impact of trade routes on different regions, including the growth of cities, increased population, and the spread of ideas and products.

The exchange of goods and ideas between different regions, leading to economic growth and cultural mixing.

The Middle East's strategic location made it a central hub for trade, connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.

A network of trade routes connecting the East (China) and West (Europe) through Central Asia, primarily for the exchange of silk and other goods.

The Black Death, a devastating plague that swept through Eurasia in the 14th century, killing millions.

A period of significant artistic, intellectual, and cultural revival in Europe, following the Middle Ages.

The belief that humans are capable of great things and that their achievements should be celebrated.

A revolution in scientific thought and discovery that challenged traditional beliefs and paved the way for modern science.

The belief that the Earth is the center of the universe.

The belief that the Sun is the center of the universe.

A systematic approach to research and investigation, involving observation, experimentation, and analysis.

The first elected branch of England's government, composed of clergy, aristocracy, and representatives.

The power to control government spending, essentially giving the Model Parliament control over the king's finances.

The practice of selling indulgences, which promised forgiveness of sins and less time in purgatory, was a controversial and exploitative practice by the Catholic Church in the 1400s.

A German monk who challenged the Catholic Church and sparked the Protestant Reformation.

A form of Christianity that broke away from the Catholic Church, rejecting papal authority and emphasizing scripture.

Followers of Martin Luther, emphasizing scripture and rejecting the Catholic Church's authority.

The belief, held by John Calvin, that God predestined some individuals for salvation and others for damnation.

A Tudor king who broke from the Catholic Church and established the Church of England, leading to significant religious and political change.

Henry VIII's first wife, a Catholic queen who was divorced to pave the way for Anne Boleyn.

Henry VIII's second wife, a Protestant who gave birth to Queen Elizabeth I and became the catalyst for the establishment of the Church of England.

A privateer, officially sanctioned by the English crown, who plundered Spanish ships and played a crucial role in the Anglo-Spanish rivalry.

Spanish ships heavily armed and designed for long voyages, primarily for transporting goods to and from the Americas, often targeted by English privateers.

A set of economic policies aimed at increasing a nation's wealth and power, primarily by promoting exports and accumulating gold.

A type of capitalism focused on trade and the accumulation of wealth through commercial activities, particularly prevalent during the era of mercantilism.

A system of colonization where individuals or companies were granted vast tracts of land by the king, with the responsibility to govern and develop them.

The practice of wealthy individuals buying large amounts of land, forcing small farmers to seek alternative livelihoods.

A legal system where the eldest son inherits all the family's land and property.

The process of obtaining a license or charter from the English Crown to establish settlements in the New World.

Agricultural products grown for sale and export, often for profit. In the Southern colonies, they were the main source of income.

Large farms in the Southern colonies that relied heavily on slave labor for cultivating and harvesting cash crops.

A type of farming where farmers produce enough food only for their family's own needs.

The combination of brackish water, mosquitos, and potential for Spanish ship encounters made Jamestown a challenging location for early colonists.

The combination of the hostile environment and the lack of preparedness led to a period of severe hunger and suffering in Jamestown during 1609-1610.

The Virginia House of Burgesses was established in 1619 as the first representative government in colonial America. It gave colonists a voice and a role in creating laws.

A system of land distribution in the Virginia colony that encouraged settlers to come by offering 50 acres of land for every person they brought over.

A system of forced labor where people were captured and sold from Africa to the Americas to work on plantations.

The horrific journey slaves endured from Africa to the Americas, characterized by inhumane treatment, cramped conditions, and high mortality rates.

A trading network between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, where slaves, goods, and manufactured items were exchanged.

Laws that defined and solidified slavery in the colonies, limiting the rights and freedoms of enslaved people and ensuring their subjugation.

The shift from indentured servants to enslaved Africans as the primary labor force in Southern colonies due to changing economic and social factors.

The wealthy and powerful landowners in colonial Virginia who held significant political and social influence.

Land suitable for farming; this led colonists inland, resulting in conflict with Native Americans.

The belief that social hierarchy is divinely ordained and justified by God.

Those who lost the right to vote as they became landless due to the expansion into arable lands.

A rebellion led by Nathaniel Bacon against the colonial government in Virginia, fueled by resentment towards the Tidewater Gentry and frontier conflicts with Native Americans.

The idea that the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens, and when they fail to do so, citizens have the right to rebel.

The group of mostly working-class colonists in Virginia, who were often dissatisfied with the Tidewater Gentry's rule and actions.

The Iroquois Confederacy was a powerful alliance of six Native American tribes in the Northeast, including the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Mohawk, Oneida, and Tuscarora.

The Iroquois Confederacy was founded based on the teachings of the mythical prophet Hiawatha, who emphasized peace and unity.

The Iroquois Confederacy's constitution, known as the Great Law of Peace, emphasized principles of peace, equality, and order.

The Iroquois Confederacy required unanimity in decision-making, with 75% of both males and females needing to agree.

Women in the Iroquois Confederacy held significant power, including the right to veto treaties and declare war.

The Iroquois Confederacy practiced a concept called 'Seventh Generation,' where decisions were made considering their impact on seven generations into the future.

James II believed in the divine right of kings, meaning he claimed his authority came directly from God.

James II sought to control trade in the colonies, claiming England had the right to all profits from the triangle trade.

James II created the Dominion of New England, merging several colonies under a single royal governor to increase his control and solidify the Catholic faith.

Sir Edmund Andros, the royal governor of the Dominion of New England, imposed stricter regulations on trade, closed colonial assemblies, and provided greater religious freedom for everyone.

The Leisler Rebellion was a response to James II's Catholicism and the colonists' dissatisfaction with the royal governor, leading to the establishment of a representative government in New York.

The indigenous people that Columbus encountered in the Caribbean, mistakenly thought to be from India by Columbus.

The Spanish title awarded to Columbus after his first voyage, recognizing his discoveries and accomplishments.

A historical perspective that emphasizes the facts and evidence of Columbus' voyages and the brutality he inflicted on natives.

A romanticized view of Columbus's voyages, often emphasizing his bravery and the greatness of his discovery.

The system established by the Spanish in the Americas to control indigenous labor and lands, involving a forced labor system.

A document issued by the Spanish crown to justify their claim to newly discovered lands and their right to conquer natives.

The idea that European Christians had a right to conquer non-Christian lands and subject their inhabitants to Christian rule.

The idea that European Christians had superiority over non-Christians, justifying their colonization and enslavement of indigenous people.

The exchange of foods, animals, plants, and diseases between the Old World (Europe, Asia, Africa) and the New World (Americas).

Diseases brought by Europeans to the Americas, which devastated indigenous populations due to their lack of immunity.

The Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina was a plan for governing the Carolina colony, written by John Locke, that aimed to establish an independent parliament and give power to the people over land ownership.

Carolina, initially a single colony, was divided into North and South Carolina in 1712 due to difficulties with docking ships in North Carolina's outer banks.

South Carolina thrived on agriculture and trade, specializing in cash crops like rice and indigo, and benefiting from its location near water.

North Carolina, lacking port cities and struggling with poverty, attracted settlers seeking additional farm land from Virginia. It also became a haven for pirates who used the outer banks to escape pursuing ships.

Georgia was established as a buffer colony to protect other colonies from Spanish expansion. It also served as a social experiment for the poor and criminals seeking a fresh start.

The Pequot tribe, living in the Thames/Mystic River Valley, were enraged by English settlers due to land loss, European encroachment, and competition for trade resources.

The death of John Oldham in native territory triggered a violent response from both the colonists and the Pequot tribe. This escalated into raids and retaliations, leading to the Mystic Massacre.

The Mystic Massacre occurred when the English blocked off exits and set fire to a Pequot village, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Pequot and the enslavement of survivors. This event effectively crushed the Pequot tribe.

The Treaty of Hartford, signed following the Mystic Massacre, solidified the defeat of the Pequot tribe and allowed the English to expand their influence in the region.

The conversion efforts of the colonists, which aimed to bring Wampanoag people to Christianity, led to the establishment of praying towns where natives could learn Christianity and practice their faith.

The Salem Witch Trials, a horrifying event that occurred in 1692, was sparked by fear, religious fanaticism, and power struggles among the Puritan community.

During the Salem Witch Trials, people accused others of witchcraft for various reasons, including challenging traditional beliefs, having unusual behavior, or simply being disliked by others.

Roger Williams, a prominent figure in early New England, advocated for religious freedom and the right of Native Americans to their land. His views were controversial among the Puritans, leading to his banishment from Massachusetts Bay Colony.

After his banishment, Roger Williams found refuge with the Narragansett tribe, where he established the colony of Rhode Island, a haven for religious tolerance and freedom.

Anne Hutchinson was a strong advocate for her interpretation of the Bible and challenged the authority of some Puritan leaders. Despite being a skilled biblical scholar, she was accused of heresy and banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony because of her beliefs and her gender.

Thomas Hooker was a minister who believed in the importance of democratic principles. He left the Massachusetts Bay Colony to establish Connecticut, where he created one of the first written constitutions in the world.

The Middle Colonies, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, were established during the Restoration period after the English monarchy was restored.

The Middle Colonies were strategically located and benefited from a combination of Dutch and English influences. They were known for their diverse economy and geographic advantages.

The Dutch established New Netherlands, a colony aimed at generating wealth and establishing a trading center in the New World. They acquired Manhattan Island from Native Americans at a relatively low cost.

The Patroon System, a system of land ownership implemented by the Dutch in New Netherlands, granted large estates to wealthy individuals. While it resulted in the enrichment of these patroons, it also contributed to social inequality.

The English takeover of New Netherlands was a significant event, ending Dutch control and ushering in a new era for the colony. It resulted in the formation of New York City and the establishment of English rule.

William Penn, a Quaker leader, established Pennsylvania with the goal of creating a haven for religious freedom and tolerance. His vision was based on the Quaker principles of peace, equality, and justice.

The Quakers, a religious group known for their beliefs in nonviolence, equality, and direct communication with God, played a vital role in shaping Pennsylvania's society.

Pennsylvania's government differed from others in its emphasis on equality and the absence of a hierarchical structure. This unique approach contributed to the colony's peaceful and tolerant atmosphere.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's capital city, was carefully planned and designed to embody the Quaker values of peace, harmony, and community. It became known for its diverse population and welcoming environment.

A religious revival movement in the 18th-century American colonies, characterized by passionate preaching, emotional experiences, and the spread of evangelical Christianity.

Individuals committed to spreading a message of personal and experimental faith, often through passionate preaching.

Traveling preachers who spread the evangelical message by conducting sermons in various locations.

A famous sermon delivered by Jonathan Edwards, emphasizing the dangers of sin and God's wrath.

The impact of the Great Awakening, leading to the formation of new churches and congregations.

The spread of ideas and information through writings and publications, playing a crucial role in colonial society.

A written or printed statement that harms someone's reputation.

A defense strategy used in legal cases, arguing that the truth of a published statement justifies its publication, even if it is negative.

A philosophical movement emphasizing reason, logic, and scientific inquiry.

A belief that power rests in the people and citizens have the right to challenge unjust authority.

Charles I granted the Calvert family, a Catholic family facing persecution in England, a proprietary colony in America due to their friendship and shared Catholic faith.

Maryland was founded in 1634 by the Calvert family, named after Charles I's wife, Henrietta Maria. This colony differed from others by being religiously diverse, allowing both Catholics and Protestants to settle.

The Calvert family established Maryland to provide a safe haven for Catholics facing persecution in England. The colony's unique religious tolerance allowed for both Catholic and Protestant settlers to coexist.

The primary reason behind the establishment of New England colonies was religion, particularly the pursuit of a more pure form of Christianity.

The Puritans, a group seeking to purify the Church of England from Catholic practices, felt the Church was too Catholic. They desired a simpler form of worship and believed in predestination.

The Pilgrims, a group of Separatists who believed the Church of England was beyond saving, were intensely Calvinist. Their disagreements with King James I, who hated the Puritan idea of 'only saints', led them to flee to the Netherlands.

Disillusioned with the Netherlands, where they found themselves becoming too Dutch, the Pilgrims sought a new home. They requested a charter from King James I, who ultimately granted it, likely hoping they would simply leave England.

The Mayflower Compact, created in 1620, outlined the establishment of a self-governing colony among the Pilgrims on the Mayflower. It pledged loyalty to King James I, established Pilgrim laws, and required all men to sign, excluding women.

Squanto, a Wampanoag, played a crucial role in establishing a peaceful relationship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoags. He helped them to survive in a harsh environment and fostered cooperation between the two groups.

From 1630 to 1642, the Great Migration brought thousands of Puritans to New England, fleeing persecution in England. This influx of people significantly impacted the development of the colonies, allowing Puritans to practice their faith freely.

The Act of Toleration, passed in Maryland in 1649, granted the right to practice Christianity to all residents, regardless of denomination. This act was crucial for protecting Catholics from the increasing Puritan influence in the colony.

The Great Migration had a significant impact on New England, leading to the establishment of new colonies and a diverse population. John Winthrop, a devout Puritan leader, envisioned Boston as a beacon of Christianity and a model society.

The Massachusetts Bay Colony, under the leadership of John Winthrop, established a theocratic government where religious beliefs were central to government and law. Only male church members with land were initially considered freemen with voting rights, although this eventually expanded to include all male church members and eventually, all males.

The Pilgrims held the belief in covenant faith, which emphasized trust in God and in each other. This shaped their religious practices, as they held each other accountable and viewed adversity as a test of their faith.

Blue Laws, a set of rules based on religious principles, were enforced in the theocratic government of New England. These laws often carried harsh punishments meant to deter sin and preserve social order.

Pilgrims believed in a patriarchal society, with men holding authority over women and children. This social structure was evident in their family structure, daily lives, and community affairs.

A key battleground in the Ohio River Valley during the French and Indian War (Seven Years War), where the French established a fort. British forces attempted to capture it but were defeated, leading to French dominance in the early stages of the war.

A meeting of colonial representatives from different colonies and Iroquois chiefs, where Benjamin Franklin proposed a plan to unify the colonies under a grand council. This plan was rejected, but it served as a model for the later Articles of Confederation.

The British victory over the French in this major battle marked the end of French dominance in North America. It was a strategic location and the main city of French Canada, making it a crucial target for the British.

The French military leader who was killed during the Battle of Quebec, alongside British General Wolfe. Known for his strategic skill and leadership in the defense of French Canada.

The first attack on Fort Duquesne, led by George Washington, where he was defeated by the French. This early conflict highlighted the British struggles in the Ohio River Valley and marked the start of the French and Indian War.

A plan devised by the English to attack French forces in Quebec during the night, utilizing their naval superiority, and leading to the decisive Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

A decisive battle fought in the French and Indian War, where both the British and French commanders were killed. This British victory led to the acquisition of French territories east of the Mississippi.

The treaty that formally ended the French and Indian War. It marked the end of French power in North America, as they ceded vast territories, including all land east of the Mississippi River, to the British.

The Ohio River Valley, a key region that was coveted by both the French and British during the French and Indian War. It offered access to the Mississippi River and its resources.

The meeting point of three rivers: the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny, forming the city of Pittsburgh. This strategic location was a key point of contention during the French and Indian War.