Period 2

Definition

Period 2 refers to a time frame in early American history, typically from 1607 to 1754, marked by significant developments in colonial society, economy, and culture. During this era, European powers expanded their territorial claims and established colonies, leading to interactions and conflicts with Indigenous peoples, as well as among the colonial powers themselves. This period laid the groundwork for future American political, social, and economic developments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Period 2 saw the establishment of various colonies, including Jamestown in 1607 and Plymouth in 1620, which were pivotal in shaping early American society.
2. Interactions between European settlers and Indigenous peoples were complex, involving trade, conflict, and significant cultural exchanges.
3. The growth of cash crops such as tobacco in the southern colonies created an economic dependency on slave labor, leading to the entrenchment of slavery in colonial society.
4. Religious movements during this period, such as the Great Awakening, influenced social dynamics and contributed to a sense of shared identity among colonists.
5. The French and Indian War (1754-1763) marked the end of Period 2, setting the stage for increasing tensions between Britain and its American colonies.

Review Questions

• How did European colonization during Period 2 impact Indigenous populations in North America?
  • European colonization during Period 2 had a profound impact on Indigenous populations through displacement, disease, and cultural changes. Colonists often viewed Native Americans as obstacles to expansion, leading to conflicts such as King Philip's War. Additionally, European diseases decimated Indigenous communities who had no immunity to these new illnesses. The interactions between Europeans and Native Americans ultimately altered the demographic landscape of North America.
• In what ways did mercantilism shape colonial economies during Period 2?
  • Mercantilism significantly shaped colonial economies by promoting trade policies that favored the mother country. Colonies were expected to produce raw materials for export to Europe while importing finished goods from the mother country. This relationship created a system where colonies existed primarily for the benefit of England's economy, leading to restrictions on trade with other nations. The focus on cash crops like tobacco further entrenched economic dependence on agriculture and slave labor.
• Evaluate how the events of Period 2 set the foundation for later revolutionary sentiments among the American colonies.
  • The events of Period 2 laid crucial groundwork for revolutionary sentiments by fostering a sense of shared identity among colonists as they faced common challenges like economic exploitation and political control from Britain. The growing frustrations over mercantilist policies, combined with cultural movements such as the Great Awakening that promoted individual rights, helped cultivate ideas about self-governance. Additionally, conflicts like the French and Indian War heightened tensions by increasing British debt and leading to tax measures that angered colonists. These factors collectively contributed to a burgeoning desire for independence.

Related terms

Colonization:

The process by which European powers established settlements and claimed territory in the Americas, often displacing Indigenous populations.

Triangular Trade:

A system of transatlantic trade in which goods and enslaved people were exchanged between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and establishing colonies to benefit the mother country.