Key Historical Questions on Early American Colonization and Slavery

The Age of Transatlantic Connection and Colonial Rivalry

Columbus and the Spanish Empire

What process did Columbus and his followers begin?

He initiated the process that brought together the peoples of Europe, Africa, and America, often referred to as the Columbian Exchange.

Why were most Spanish explorers drawn to the Americas?

They were primarily attracted by the promise of gold, silver, and land.

What country was the richest and most powerful in the 16th century, and why?

Spain, due to the immense wealth provided by its colonies in the Americas.

What similarities existed in character between Cortés and Pizarro?

Both were characterized as ambitious, adventurous, and ruthless individuals.

French and English Colonial Differences

What was a basic difference between French and English attitudes regarding North American land?

The French were primarily interested in the fur trade, while the English prioritized farming and permanent settlement.

What need drove the English farther west into the North American continent?

The need for more land to accommodate their rapidly growing population.

How did the colonies of Jamestown and Massachusetts Bay differ?

The two colonies had fundamentally different founding purposes:

• Jamestown: The majority were single men seeking financial gain.
• Massachusetts Bay: Primarily families escaping religious persecution.

Conflict and Consequences of Colonization

What was the main result of the French and Indian War?

The British gained control of most of the eastern half of the coast of North America.

Why did the English eventually defeat the French in North America?

The English possessed a larger population of settlers and stronger military support from the British army.

What were some results of European colonization for Native Americans?

Native Americans suffered catastrophic losses of land and life due to the introduction of disease and relentless warfare.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade and Resistance

The Economics and Impact of Slavery

What effect did the spread of Islam have on the slave trade?

It ushered in an increase in both the practice of slavery and the volume of the slave trade.

Why did the slave trade flourish for so long?

It flourished primarily because it was a massive source of wealth and economic power for European nations and American colonists.

How did African slaves contribute to the development of the Americas?

They contributed significantly through their essential labor, specialized knowledge of agriculture, and enduring culture.

Resistance and Differences in Bondage

How did enslaved Africans resist their bondage?

Resistance often took subtle forms, including becoming less productive by:

• Breaking tools.
• Uprooting plants.
• Working slowly.

How was slavery in the Americas different from slavery in Africa?

In Africa, slaves often had avenues to escape their bondage or achieve freedom, which was generally not the case in the brutal chattel slavery system established in the Americas.