APUSH: Period 2, 1607-1754 - Colonial Society and Culture

Why This Matters

Colonial society and culture played a crucial role in shaping the United States' identity, politics, and economy. The interactions between European colonizers, Native Americans, and African slaves created a complex and dynamic society that laid the groundwork for the country's future development. Understanding colonial society and culture is essential for grasping the AP theme of American Identity, as it highlights the diverse influences that have shaped the nation's values, institutions, and relationships.

Key Events & People

• The Mayflower Compact (1620): A document signed by the Pilgrims establishing a framework for governing their colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This compact is considered a precursor to American democracy.
• The Salem Witch Trials (1692-1693): A series of trials and executions in colonial Massachusetts that resulted in the deaths of 20 people accused of witchcraft. This event highlights the hysteria and paranoia that can occur in times of social change.
• The Triangular Trade (1600s-1800s): A system of trade that connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas, with enslaved Africans being transported to the Americas. This trade had a profound impact on the demographics and economy of the colonies.
• The Pequot War (1636-1638): A conflict between the English colonists and the Pequot Native American tribe in present-day Connecticut. This war marked the beginning of English colonization in New England.
• The Virginia House of Burgesses (1619): A legislative assembly established in the Virginia colony, which was the first representative government in the American colonies.
• The Quakers (1650s): A group of English Separatists who established colonies in Pennsylvania and other areas, promoting tolerance and equality.
• The Royal African Company (1672): A British company granted a monopoly on the slave trade in Africa, which further entrenched the institution of slavery in the colonies.
• The Half-Way Covenant (1662): A Puritan church policy that allowed baptized children of non-members to participate in church activities, expanding the reach of the Puritan faith.
• The Salem Village Meeting House (1670): A church where the Salem witch trials took place, highlighting the role of Puritanism in shaping colonial society.
• The Wampanoag Confederacy (1600s): A loose alliance of Native American tribes in present-day Massachusetts, which played a significant role in the Pequot War and other conflicts.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The English colonization of North America led to the displacement and marginalization of Native American tribes.
• Effect: The Pequot War and other conflicts resulted in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans and the destruction of their communities.

• Long-term consequence: The legacy of colonialism continues to impact Native American communities today, with ongoing struggles for land rights, cultural preservation, and social justice.

• Cause: The transatlantic slave trade brought enslaved Africans to the Americas, leading to the growth of slavery in the colonies.

• Effect: The institution of slavery became deeply entrenched in the colonies, with enslaved Africans being used as laborers on plantations and in other industries.

• Long-term consequence: The legacy of slavery continues to impact African American communities today, with ongoing struggles for racial equality and social justice.

• Cause: The Puritan faith played a significant role in shaping colonial society, with its emphasis on hard work, self-discipline, and community.

• Effect: The Puritan values influenced the development of American culture, with its emphasis on individualism, hard work, and community.
• Long-term consequence: The legacy of Puritanism continues to shape American culture and values, with ongoing debates about the role of religion in public life.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Triangular Trade*: A system of trade that connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas, with enslaved Africans being transported to the Americas.
• *Puritanism*: A Christian movement that emphasized hard work, self-discipline, and community, which played a significant role in shaping colonial society.
• *Half-Way Covenant*: A Puritan church policy that allowed baptized children of non-members to participate in church activities, expanding the reach of the Puritan faith.
• *Royal African Company*: A British company granted a monopoly on the slave trade in Africa, which further entrenched the institution of slavery in the colonies.
• *Wampanoag Confederacy*: A loose alliance of Native American tribes in present-day Massachusetts, which played a significant role in the Pequot War and other conflicts.
• *Mayflower Compact*: A document signed by the Pilgrims establishing a framework for governing their colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
• *Salem Witch Trials*: A series of trials and executions in colonial Massachusetts that resulted in the deaths of 20 people accused of witchcraft.
• *Quakers*: A group of English Separatists who established colonies in Pennsylvania and other areas, promoting tolerance and equality.
• *Virginia House of Burgesses*: A legislative assembly established in the Virginia colony, which was the first representative government in the American colonies.
• *Pequot War*: A conflict between the English colonists and the Pequot Native American tribe in present-day Connecticut.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Salem witch trials took place in Salem Village, which is now Danvers, Massachusetts.
• Correction: The trials actually took place in Salem Town, which is now Salem, Massachusetts. A good memory trick is to remember that the trials were held in the town, not the village.
• What students often get wrong: The Pequot War was fought between the English colonists and the Wampanoag tribe.
• Correction: The Pequot War was actually fought between the English colonists and the Pequot tribe, with the Wampanoag tribe playing a significant role as allies of the English.
• What students often get wrong: The Royal African Company was established in the 18th century.
• Correction: The Royal African Company was actually established in 1672, during the reign of King Charles II.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of Puritanism in shaping colonial society and culture. Be sure to include specific examples from the period, such as the Half-Way Covenant and the Salem witch trials.
• Possible document-based question: Evaluate the impact of the Pequot War on the relationships between English colonists and Native American tribes in the region. Be sure to include specific documents, such as the Mayflower Compact and the Wampanoag Confederacy's role in the war.
• Possible essay prompt: Discuss the significance of the Triangular Trade in shaping the demographics and economy of the colonies. Be sure to include specific examples from the period, such as the Royal African Company and the growth of slavery in the colonies.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the significance of the Mayflower Compact? Correct answer: It established a framework for governing the Plymouth colony and is considered a precursor to American democracy.
2. Who was the leader of the Wampanoag Confederacy during the Pequot War? Correct answer: Massasoit.
3. What was the main purpose of the Salem witch trials? Correct answer: To root out witchcraft and maintain social order in the community.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The Salem witch trials took place in Salem Town, not Salem Village.
• The Pequot War was fought between the English colonists and the Pequot tribe, not the Wampanoag tribe.
• The Royal African Company was established in 1672, not in the 18th century.
• The Half-Way Covenant was a Puritan church policy that allowed baptized children of non-members to participate in church activities.
• The Wampanoag Confederacy was a loose alliance of Native American tribes in present-day Massachusetts.
• The Mayflower Compact was signed by the Pilgrims in 1620.
• The Salem witch trials resulted in the deaths of 20 people accused of witchcraft.
• The Pequot War marked the beginning of English colonization in New England.
• The Quakers established colonies in Pennsylvania and other areas, promoting tolerance and equality.
• The Virginia House of Burgesses was the first representative government in the American colonies.