Period Two

Definition

Period Two refers to the historical timeframe in early American history, from 1607 to 1754, characterized by the establishment of British colonies, interactions with Native Americans, and the early development of colonial society. This era is significant for understanding the foundation of American culture, politics, and economy as European powers vied for control in the New World.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The establishment of Jamestown in 1607 marked the beginning of permanent English colonization in North America.
2. During this period, various colonies developed distinct social, political, and economic structures influenced by their geographic locations and founding motivations.
3. Relations between European settlers and Native Americans varied widely, ranging from cooperation and trade to conflict and displacement.
4. The transatlantic slave trade began to take shape during Period Two, significantly impacting the labor systems in Southern colonies and shaping American demographics.
5. By the end of this period in 1754, tensions were rising between British colonists and Native American tribes over land disputes, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Review Questions

• How did colonization efforts differ among various European powers during Period Two, particularly in terms of settlement patterns and relations with Native Americans?
  • During Period Two, colonization efforts varied significantly among European powers. The British focused on establishing permanent settlements along the Atlantic coast, creating a mix of agricultural and urban societies. In contrast, the Spanish concentrated on converting Native Americans and extracting resources. Relations with Native Americans also differed; some British colonies engaged in trade while others resorted to conflict, highlighting the complexity of interactions across different regions.
• Analyze the economic systems that developed in British colonies during Period Two and their impact on social structures within those colonies.
  • Economic systems in British colonies during Period Two were largely driven by agriculture, trade, and mercantilism. The Southern colonies developed plantation economies reliant on enslaved labor for cash crops like tobacco and rice. In contrast, the Northern colonies focused more on small-scale farming and trade-based economies. This created distinct social hierarchies within each region—plantation owners held significant power in the South while merchants often dominated urban areas in the North, contributing to different societal norms and values.
• Evaluate how the events of Period Two set the groundwork for future conflicts between British colonists and Native Americans as well as between colonists themselves leading up to the American Revolution.
  • The events of Period Two established critical tensions that would escalate into future conflicts. As more British settlers moved westward into Native American territories seeking land for agriculture, violent clashes became increasingly common. Additionally, growing discontent among colonists regarding British policies and governance began to surface during this time. The complex interplay of land acquisition, economic interests, and differing cultural values laid a foundation for both intercolonial rivalries and conflicts with Native Americans that would ultimately contribute to the American Revolution.

Related terms

Colonization:

The process of establishing control over foreign lands and peoples, particularly seen in the context of European powers like Britain, France, and Spain in North America.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of government in managing trade and economy to increase national wealth, commonly practiced by European powers during colonial expansion.

Triangular Trade:

A historical trade system where goods and slaves were exchanged between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, significantly impacting colonial economies and societies.