๐บ๐ธap us history review
AMSCO 2.2 European Colonization Notes
Verified for the 2025 AP US History examโขCitation:MLA
Topic 2.2
๐Topic 2.2 European Colonization in North America
๐ AMSCO p.34 - p.36
Main Idea
โญ Migration from the 17th century to mid 18th century caused many colonies (Spanish, French, Dutch, and British) to venture to America for many different reasons. For the Spanish, it was religious reasons. For the French, it was for religious reasons as well as for economic reasons. For the Dutch, it was for exploration as well as economic reasons. For the British, it was for religious freedom as well as for the search for a better life.
Key Timeline
Timeline of key events from 1589-1718
Image Courtesy of Sarah
Things to Know
Spanish Colonies
- They were slow to develop because of limited resources and opposition
- Also worked to expand their Christian values and counteract others
- Men made up most of the population, which included Africans and Native Americans into the colonies
- Their colonies consisted of: California, Florida, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona
French Colonies
- Men made up most of the population
- Few of the colonizers were French
- Some were missionaries here for Christian work & the rest were economic fur traders
- Many of the men married American Indian women
- These American Indian women served as translators, guides, and navigators
- Quebec was the first French settlement in America in 1608
- Robert de La Salle founded Louisiana (naming it after French King Louis XIV)
- By the time 1718 came, the French moved downwards to form a more permanent settlement known as New Orleans
- Because New Orleans is near the Gulf of Mexico, it became a popular trading post
Dutch Colonies
- Henry Hudson, an English sailor, was the catalyst for Dutch expeditions
- He established claims in New Amsterdam (known today as New York)
- The Dutch West India Company controlled economic gain
- It was a small colony just like the French, and built strong trade connections with American Indians
- They also settled near either major rivers or trading posts
- And were less likely to get married to American Indians
British Colonies
- They were interested in the lands that John Cabot explored
- England could not keep up with its growing population and this led to the journey to America
- Joint-Stock Companies were used to finance British colonization
- Most of the population made up of mostly single women and families
- These single women and families were interested in farming
- The English claimed American Indian land
- Despite this, they were not interested in the marrying American Indian women
- The English helped attract many European colonizers, which led to them settling in America with hopes of freedom or a better life
Terms to Remember
| Term | Definition + Significance |
|---|---|
| John Cabot | An Italian explorer and navigator who worked under King Henry VII (the King of England.) Thanks to John Cabot, the English were able to capitalize on the lands that he explored, which made their move to America much easier. |
| Joint-Stock Companies | Legal entities granted by a monarch that allow for investors to make a profit. The English colonies used joint-stock companies to handle finances when it came to colonization. |