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Questions and Answers
There was a land connecting present day Russia and Alaska ______ years ago.
There was a land connecting present day Russia and Alaska ______ years ago.
20,000
What were the main economic activities in the New England colonies?
What were the main economic activities in the New England colonies?
Fishing, whaling, and shipbuilding
What was the initial purpose of European exploration?
What was the initial purpose of European exploration?
Which of the following were NOT among the original 13 colonies?
Which of the following were NOT among the original 13 colonies?
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The main economic activities in the Middle Colonies were agriculture and fishing.
The main economic activities in the Middle Colonies were agriculture and fishing.
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What was the reason behind the US Civil War?
What was the reason behind the US Civil War?
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Which of these groups were brought to the US colonies against their will?
Which of these groups were brought to the US colonies against their will?
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Indentured servants were required to work for 7-14 years.
Indentured servants were required to work for 7-14 years.
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What was the purpose of sending convicts to the US colonies?
What was the purpose of sending convicts to the US colonies?
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Study Notes
Social Studies - US History
- This lesson material is for GELC students only. Copying is strictly prohibited.
Chapter 1: Exploration, Colonialism & Original 13 States
- Quote: "Colonialism is the cousin of slavery." - Chadwick Boseman
Bering Strait
- A land bridge connected present-day Russia and Alaska 20,000 years ago.
- People migrated from Asia to the North and South American continents.
Native Americans
- Migrated people settled as Native Americans.
- They established extensive tribal cultures and several advanced civilizations.
Spice Trade
- Before sea travel developed, Europeans bought spices from Middle Eastern traders.
- Traders bought spices from India and resold them in Venice, Italy at very high prices.
- Spices were as valuable as gold.
Route to India
- Europeans (Portugal, Spain, England, and France) searched for sea routes to India after ships could navigate the seas.
- Some sailed around Africa, while others, like Columbus, sought a westward route.
Discovery of America
- Columbus believed he had reached India, calling the natives "Indians."
- Europeans colonized the continent for resources.
- Native Americans were harmed and enslaved.
Colonialism
- Initial exploration aimed to trade directly with India.
- This led to colonizing countries with valuable resources to boost economies.
- England, France, Netherlands, and Spain colonized much of the present-day United States and Canada.
- Colonists aimed to expand power, wealth, and provide permanent homes for colonists.
Original 13 Colonies
- 13 colonies were founded on the east coast of the present-day United States, primarily by English settlers.
- Varying social and economic factors impacted life in each colony.
New England Colonies
- Includes present-day New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
- Founded by English Pilgrims seeking religious freedom.
- Mayflower ship landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
- Economic activities centered around fishing, whaling, and shipbuilding.
Middle Colonies
- Includes present-day New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
- Diverse nationalities (French, Irish, German, Italian, and English) settled in these states.
- Industrial work and staple crops (like wheat) were prominent economic activities.
Southern Colonies
- Includes present-day Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Maryland.
- Fertile land and good weather supported cash crops (tobacco, rice, and cotton).
- Plantations required large labor forces.
Indentured Servants
- Poor people from England borrowed money from wealthy colonists in exchange for labor.
- They typically worked for 4 years.
- Sometimes, indentured servants were sold into slavery.
African Slaves
- Increased labor demand led to the forced enslavement of Africans in US colonies.
- Enslaved Africans were not treated as humans.
- Slavery endured throughout their lives.
- Conflicts later arose around abolishing slavery.
Convicts
- English courts sent convicts to US colonies to reduce prison populations.
- Unskilled convicts worked on plantations; skilled convicts worked as tradesmen.
- Some convicts returned to England after their sentences ended, while others stayed in the colonies.
Indentured Servants vs. African Slaves vs. Convicts
- Who: Europeans sought better lives, Africans were enslaved, and convicts were sent as punishment.
- How: Indentured servants borrowed money; Africans were captured; convicts were sentenced.
- Freedom: Indentured servants had a set term of service; slaves were enslaved for life; convicts had terms varying from 7–14 years.
- Trade: Indentured servants could be sold, slaves were property and routinely traded.
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Description
Dive into the foundational chapter of US history, exploring the themes of exploration, colonialism, and the original 13 states. This quiz covers significant events and movements, including the migration of Native Americans and the spice trade that drove European exploration. Test your knowledge on the early cultural and economic exchanges that shaped the nation.
