#AP US History Study Guide: Colonial America (1600-1750)

Hey there, future AP US History master! Let's break down the key concepts of colonial America. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially when you're in the final stretch before the exam. We'll make sure you're not just memorizing facts, but actually understanding the big picture. Let's get started!

#1. Colonial Diversity and Identity

#1.1. Ethnic and Racial Composition

• Changing Demographics: The colonies weren't just English! They were a melting pot (though not always harmonious) of various European groups and Africans.
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* **Regional Differences:** * **New England & Atlantic Coast:** Primarily English and Welsh. * **South:** Large population of enslaved Africans. * **Frontier:** Germans, Scots-Irish, and Swiss moving inland.

#1.2.

Key Concept

Shifting Identities

• European vs. American: Were the colonists more European or American? It's a mix! They brought European traditions, but the New World environment and experiences shaped a unique identity.
• Blending and Conflict: Different ethnic and religious groups brought their own beliefs, which both blended and conflicted, creating a dynamic society.

Practice Question

Multiple Choice:

1. Which of the following best describes the demographic trend in the British colonies between 1700 and 1775? (A) A decrease in the proportion of the English population. (B) A rapid increase in the proportion of the Dutch population. (C) A decline in the number of African slaves. (D) A decrease in the overall diversity of the colonies.

2. The presence of diverse European ethnic groups in the colonies led to which of the following? (A) A unified political system. (B) A decrease in social conflict. (C) A blending and conflicting of cultural beliefs. (D) A rapid decline in religious diversity.

#2. The First Great Awakening

#2.1. Religious Landscape

• Predominant Religion: Protestantism was the main religion, but there was also religious diversity. *

* **Established Churches:** * **New England:** Tax-supported Congregational Church (Puritan). * **South:** Tax-supported Church of England (Anglican).

#2.2. The Great Awakening

• Revival Movement: A religious revival in the 1700s that rekindled religious spirit.
• Key Figures:
  • Jonathan Edwards: Famous for his sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." 😱
  • George Whitefield: Dynamic preacher who drew large crowds.

#2.3. Impact of the Great Awakening

• Increased Religious Diversity: New denominations emerged, such as Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Evangelicals. ⛪
• Challenging Authority: The movement challenged traditional religious authority, which later contributed to a questioning of political authority.

#2.4. The Enlightenment

• Influence: European ideas of the Enlightenment also impacted the colonies.
• Key Ideas:
  • Emphasis on science and reason over religion.
  • Belief in the equality of all people.
  • Individuals can control their own destiny.
  • Political ideas of democracy and republicanism. 💡

Practice Question

Multiple Choice:

1. The First Great Awakening is best described as a: (A) political movement focused on colonial independence. (B) religious revival that emphasized emotional preaching. (C) social reform movement focused on ending slavery. (D) philosophical movement that promoted scientific inquiry.

2. Which of the following was a key idea of the Enlightenment that influenced the colonies? (A) The divine right of kings. (B) The importance of absolute monarchy. (C) The equality of all people and the importance of reason. (D) The supremacy of religious dogma.

#3. European Influence on Colonial Culture

#3.1. Political Structures

• British Model: Colonies modeled their governments after the British system.
  • Governor, upper house, and lower house.
  • Representative in London.
• English Common Law: Colonists believed they had the rights of Englishmen (liberty, equality, private property).
• Judicial System: Similar to the Old World, with county courts and local judges.
  • County governments in the South.
  • Townships in New England.

#3.2. Economic System: Mercantilism

• Mercantile System: Colonies could only trade with England, using English ships. 🚢
• Navigation Acts: Ships had to go through English ports.
• Colonial Products: Raw materials (iron, timber, tobacco, etc.) sent to England.
• Finished Products: Manufactured goods (guns, textiles, tools, etc.) sent from England to the colonies.

#3.3. Cultural Imitation

• Material Culture: Coastal urban areas mimicked the English aristocracy.
  • Tea, fox hunting, newspapers, proper etiquette, fancy linens, etc.

Practice Question

Multiple Choice:

1. Which of the following best describes the economic relationship between the British colonies and England under mercantilism? (A) The colonies traded freely with all European nations. (B) The colonies primarily exported finished goods to England. (C) The colonies provided raw materials to England and purchased finished goods from them. (D) The colonies were economically independent from England.

2. The political structure of most British colonies included which of the following features? (A) A single legislative body elected by all colonists. (B) A system of direct democracy with town meetings. (C) A governor, an upper house, and a lower house. (D) A system of government based on the model of the French monarchy.

#4. Early Conflicts Between Europe and the Colonies

#4.1. Salutary Neglect

• British Policy: Britain followed a policy of "salutary neglect" (lax enforcement of laws). 😴
• Purpose: Britain focused on matters at home and allowed the colonies to develop their own economies.
• Result: This neglect fostered a desire for self-rule and independence.

#4.2. Political Conflicts

• Colonial Self-Rule: Town meetings in New England and colonial legislatures showed colonists doing their own thing.
• King James I: Revoked the charter of Virginia in 1624 due to disloyalty.
• New England Confederation (1643): Formed by several colonies to defend against Indians and the French. 🤝
• Dominion of New England (1684): Replaced the New England Confederation to strengthen defense and enforce Navigation Laws.
  • Colonists hated Sir Edmund Andros, the English leader, who restricted town meetings, took away land titles, levied new taxes, and enforced Navigation Laws.

#4.3. Land Conflicts

• Westward Expansion: Conflicts with Native Americans over land.
  • King Philip’s War in New England (1675).
  • Bacon’s Rebellion in Virginia (1670s).
  • Scots-Irish expansion in Pennsylvania.

#4.4. Economic Conflicts

• Mercantilism Restrictions: Colonists resented trade restrictions and smuggled goods. 😠

Practice Question

Multiple Choice:

1. What was the primary purpose of the British policy of "salutary neglect"? (A) To enforce strict control over the colonies. (B) To encourage colonial self-governance. (C) To allow the colonies to develop economically while Britain focused on domestic matters. (D) To promote religious tolerance in the colonies.

2. Which of the following was a consequence of the Dominion of New England? (A) Increased colonial autonomy. (B) Greater cooperation between the colonies and England. (C) Increased resentment among colonists due to restrictions on their freedoms. (D) A decrease in conflicts with Native Americans.

Free Response Question (FRQ):

Analyze the ways in which the British policy of salutary neglect and the economic system of mercantilism contributed to the development of a distinct American identity in the colonies between 1600 and 1750. Scoring Rubric:

• Thesis (1 point): Presents a thesis that makes a historically defensible claim about the impact of salutary neglect and mercantilism on the development of American identity. The thesis must establish a line of reasoning.
• Contextualization (1 point): Describes a broader historical context relevant to the prompt. This could include the diverse ethnic and religious composition of the colonies or the influence of the Enlightenment.
• Evidence (2 points): Provides specific examples of how salutary neglect and mercantilism influenced the colonies. For instance, examples of colonial self-governance, smuggling, or resentment towards British trade restrictions.
• Analysis and Reasoning (2 points): Explains how the evidence demonstrates the development of a distinct American identity. This includes explaining how the practice of salutary neglect led to greater autonomy and how mercantilism fostered resentment and a desire for economic independence.
• Complexity (1 point): Demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic. This could involve discussing the varied impacts of these policies across different colonies or acknowledging the simultaneous influence of both European and American factors.

#Final Exam Focus

#High-Priority Topics

• Colonial Diversity: Understand the various ethnic and religious groups and how they shaped colonial society.
• The Great Awakening: Know its causes, key figures, and impact on religious diversity and challenging authority.
• Mercantilism: Understand how it worked and how it led to colonial resentment.
• Salutary Neglect: Know how it fostered a desire for self-rule and independence.
• Early Conflicts: Be familiar with key events like King Philip’s War, Bacon’s Rebellion, and the Dominion of New England.

#Common Question Types

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Often focus on identifying key events, figures, and concepts. Pay attention to cause-and-effect relationships. 🧐
• Short Answer Questions (SAQs): Require concise answers with specific evidence. Focus on direct answers to the question.
• Free Response Questions (FRQs): Require a thesis, supporting evidence, and analysis. Practice writing clear and well-organized essays.

#Last-Minute Tips

• Time Management: Don't spend too long on one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back later.
• Common Pitfalls: Avoid vague answers. Be specific and provide evidence to support your claims.
• Strategies:
  • Read the question carefully and understand what it's asking.
  • Outline your essay before you start writing.
  • Use historical thinking skills (causation, comparison, continuity and change).
  • Remember to connect different units and themes. 💡

Remember, you've got this! Stay calm, focus on the key concepts, and use all the resources you have. You're ready to ace this exam! 💪