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ap us history unit 2 study guides

colonial society, 1607–1754

2.0

Unit 2 Overview: Colonization of North America (1607-1754)

2.1

Context: European Colonization

2.2

European Colonization

2.3

The Regions of the British Colonies

2.4

Transatlantic Trade

2.5

Interactions between Native Americans and Europeans

2.6

Slavery in the British Colonies

2.7

Colonial Society and Culture

2.8

Comparison in Period 2

unit 2 review

Colonial America from 1607 to 1754 saw the establishment of diverse settlements, each with unique motivations and challenges. English, Dutch, French, and Spanish colonists built societies shaped by economic pursuits, religious beliefs, and interactions with Native Americans. These colonies developed distinct political structures, economic systems, and social hierarchies. Key events like the Navigation Acts, Salem Witch Trials, and Great Awakening influenced colonial life, setting the stage for future conflicts with Britain.

Key Events and Timeline

  • Jamestown, Virginia established as the first permanent English settlement in North America (1607)
  • Mayflower Compact signed by Pilgrims before disembarking in Plymouth, Massachusetts (1620)
    • Established a rudimentary form of self-government and laid the foundation for future colonial governance
  • Massachusetts Bay Colony founded by Puritans seeking religious freedom (1630)
  • Maryland Toleration Act passed, promoting religious tolerance (1649)
  • Navigation Acts imposed by England to regulate colonial trade (1651, 1660, 1663)
  • King Philip's War between Native Americans and New England colonists (1675-1678)
  • Glorious Revolution in England leads to the overthrow of King James II and the establishment of a new colonial administration (1688-1689)
  • Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts (1692-1693)

Colonial Foundations and Early Settlements

  • Spanish settlements in Florida (St. Augustine, 1565) and the Southwest (Santa Fe, 1610)
  • English settlements in Jamestown (1607) and Plymouth (1620)
    • Jamestown initially struggled with harsh conditions, disease, and conflict with Native Americans
    • Plymouth founded by Pilgrims seeking religious freedom and governed by the Mayflower Compact
  • Dutch settlement of New Netherland, including New Amsterdam (later New York City) (1624)
  • French settlements in Quebec (1608) and Montreal (1642)
  • Diverse motivations for colonization, including economic opportunity, religious freedom, and the desire to establish a "New World" society
  • Interactions and conflicts with Native American populations, including trade, cultural exchange, and warfare

Political Structures and Governance

  • Early colonial governments were primarily charter governments or proprietary governments
    • Charter governments were granted charters by the English monarch, outlining the colony's rights and responsibilities (Massachusetts Bay Colony)
    • Proprietary governments were owned and governed by individuals or groups granted land by the English Crown (Maryland, Pennsylvania)
  • Development of representative assemblies in the colonies, such as the Virginia House of Burgesses (1619) and the Maryland Assembly (1635)
  • Increasing self-governance and autonomy in the colonies, while still maintaining ties to England
  • Emergence of colonial legislatures and the concept of "no taxation without representation"
  • The Glorious Revolution's impact on colonial governance, including the overthrow of the Dominion of New England and the establishment of royal colonies

Economic Systems and Trade

  • Mercantilism as the dominant economic theory, emphasizing the accumulation of wealth through exports and the control of trade
  • The Triangle Trade, connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas through the exchange of goods, raw materials, and enslaved people
  • Growth of cash crops, such as tobacco in the Chesapeake colonies and rice and indigo in the Carolinas
  • Development of the plantation system, relying heavily on enslaved African labor
  • The role of the Navigation Acts in regulating colonial trade and promoting British economic interests
  • The emergence of port cities, such as Boston, Philadelphia, and New York, as centers of commerce and trade
  • The impact of the Great Awakening on colonial society, emphasizing individual spirituality and challenging traditional religious authority

Social Hierarchy and Demographics

  • Colonial society characterized by a rigid social hierarchy based on wealth, land ownership, and family connections
  • At the top of the hierarchy were the wealthy planters, merchants, and religious and political leaders
  • The middle class consisted of small farmers, artisans, and professionals
  • Indentured servants and enslaved Africans formed the lowest rungs of the social ladder
  • Growth of slavery in the colonies, particularly in the South, as a result of the increasing demand for labor on plantations
  • Diverse population in the colonies, including English, Dutch, French, German, Irish, and African immigrants
  • Gender roles in colonial society, with women primarily responsible for domestic duties and men dominating public life

Religious Influences and Movements

  • The role of religion in motivating colonization, particularly for groups seeking religious freedom (Puritans, Quakers)
  • The Great Awakening (1730s-1740s), a religious revival movement that emphasized individual spirituality and challenged traditional religious authority
    • Key figures in the Great Awakening, such as Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield
  • Religious diversity in the colonies, including Puritans, Anglicans, Quakers, Catholics, and Jews
  • The concept of religious tolerance, as exemplified by the Maryland Toleration Act (1649) and the founding of Pennsylvania by William Penn (1681)
  • The Salem Witch Trials (1692-1693) as an example of religious hysteria and the dangers of superstition

Cultural Developments and Daily Life

  • The development of a distinct colonial culture, blending European, Native American, and African influences
  • The importance of family and community in colonial life, with the family serving as the primary social and economic unit
  • Education in the colonies, including the establishment of schools and colleges (Harvard, 1636; William and Mary, 1693)
  • The role of religion in daily life, with church attendance and religious observances being central to colonial society
  • Leisure activities and entertainment, such as hunting, fishing, and social gatherings
  • The influence of Enlightenment ideas on colonial intellectual life, emphasizing reason, individualism, and natural rights
  • The growth of colonial newspapers and the spread of information and ideas

Conflicts and Challenges

  • Conflicts with Native American populations, including King Philip's War (1675-1678) and the Pequot War (1636-1638)
    • These conflicts often stemmed from disputes over land, trade, and cultural differences
  • Tensions between the colonies and the British government, particularly regarding issues of taxation and representation
  • The French and Indian War (1754-1763), a conflict between British and French colonies and their respective Native American allies
    • The war resulted in significant territorial gains for the British but also increased tensions between the colonies and the British government
  • Challenges posed by the growing enslaved population, including fears of slave rebellions and the moral and economic debates surrounding slavery
  • Economic challenges, such as fluctuations in tobacco prices and the impact of British trade regulations
  • Political challenges, including disputes between colonial legislatures and royal governors and the increasing desire for self-governance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Unit 2 about in APUSH (Period 2: 1607–1754)?

Unit 2 (Period 2: 1607–1754) is all about Colonial Development — how European colonization and regional differences shaped British North America. The unit (10–17% of the exam, ~19 class periods) looks at colonization by Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Britain. You’ll study regional development (New England, the Middle Colonies, Chesapeake, southern Atlantic/Caribbean), transatlantic trade and the Atlantic economy, interactions with American Indian peoples, the rise and effects of slavery, and colonial society, religion, and culture. Key themes include labor systems, imperial goals, cultural exchange, and evolving colonial–British relationships. For a concise study guide and practice, see Fiveable’s Unit 2 page (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-2).

What topics are covered in APUSH Unit 2?

You’ll cover topics 2.1–2.8: 2.1 Contextualizing Period 2. 2.2 European colonization. 2.3 Regions of British colonies (Chesapeake, New England, Middle, Southern/West Indies). 2.4 Transatlantic trade and the Atlantic economy. 2.5 Interactions between American Indians and Europeans. 2.6 Slavery in the British colonies and enslaved people’s responses. 2.7 Colonial society and culture (Great Awakening, Anglicization, print culture). 2.8 Comparison across the period. Emphasis’s on imperial goals, regional differences, labor systems, trade networks, cultural exchanges, and early self-government. Quick review and practice are available on Fiveable’s Unit 2 page at https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-2.

How much of the APUSH exam is based on Unit 2 content?

About 10–17% of the APUSH exam is tied to Unit 2 (Colonial Development, 1607–1754). That means multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and parts of FRQs/LEQs or the DBQ can draw on Unit 2 themes: colonization, regional differences, transatlantic trade, Native–European interactions, and slavery. Keep in mind the exam often blends units, so expect integrated prompts that require connecting Unit 2 ideas with other periods. For concise review materials and practice problems keyed to Unit 2 topics, see Fiveable’s Unit 2 page (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-2).

What's the hardest part of APUSH Unit 2?

Many students say the toughest part is connecting regional differences, evolving labor systems (including slavery), and Native American–European interactions across the period. It’s one thing to memorize what happened in New England, the Middle Colonies, or the Chesapeake; it’s harder to explain why their economies, social hierarchies, and political institutions diverged and how those differences linked to transatlantic trade and slavery. Another common challenge is showing continuity and change from 1607–1754 — the causes, consequences, and policy effects. Practice making connections in SAQs and LEQs. For targeted reviews and practice, check out Fiveable’s Unit 2 page (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-2).

How long should I study APUSH Unit 2 to master it?

Plan on roughly 10–20 focused hours spread over 1–3 weeks, or about 6–8 intense hours if you’re cramming. A useful breakdown: 2–4 hours reviewing key developments (regional differences, slavery, trade). 3–6 hours doing practice questions. 2–4 hours building timelines and concise summaries or flash notes. 2–6 hours focused on SAQ/LEQ/DBQ practice. This matches the unit’s scope (~19 class periods, 10–17% of the exam) and lets you rotate between content and writing practice. For focused materials and extra practice tied to Unit 2, use Fiveable’s Unit 2 page at https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-2.

Where can I find APUSH Unit 2 summary notes or PDF?

Try Fiveable’s Unit 2 study guide for everything you need: (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-2). That page covers Colonial Development, 1607–1754 (topics 2.1–2.8) and includes concise summaries, cheatsheets, and cram-video links that match the College Board CED—regional differences, transatlantic trade, slavery, interactions with American Indians, and more. If you need a PDF, the study guide and cheatsheets are formatted so you can save or print them as PDFs directly from your browser. For extra practice tied to these topics, use Fiveable’s practice question bank (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/apush) to reinforce key concepts and the AP-style question types you’ll see on the exam.

Are there good APUSH Unit 2 practice tests or MCQs I can use?

You'll find Unit 2 practice MCQs and practice sets at (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/apush) and the Unit 2 study guide at (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-2). Those resources include multiple-choice questions with explanations mapped to Unit 2 topics (Colonial Development, 1607–1754: topics 2.1–2.8), so you can drill Chesapeake/New England differences, transatlantic trade, slavery, and interactions with American Indians. Use the practice section for timed MCQ drills and the unit guide for focused content review. Combine the cheatsheets or cram videos for quick refreshes. Unit 2 represents about 10–17% of the AP exam, so steady MCQ practice on these topics helps build both accuracy and pacing.

How do I study for APUSH Unit 2—best strategies and resources?

Start with Fiveable’s full Unit 2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-2). Build a timeline of 1607–1754 and group events by region (New England, Middle, Chesapeake, Southern) so causes and effects jump out. Practice short-answer and DBQ-style writing—time yourself and use AP rubrics to self-evaluate. Drill the big themes: colonization motives, labor systems (including slavery), Native–European interactions, and transatlantic trade. Do lots of multiple-choice and short-response practice to boost speed and evidence use. One-page cheatsheets and cram videos are perfect for last-week review. For extra practice and explanations, Fiveable offers unit guides, 1,000+ practice questions, cheatsheets, and cram videos (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-2).

What key people, events, and developments do I need to know for Unit 2?

Get the full list from Fiveable’s Unit 2 page (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-2). Key people include John Smith, Powhatan, Pocahontas, William Bradford, John Winthrop, Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, Lord Baltimore, William Penn, Metacom (King Philip), Bacon, and enslaved leaders who resisted slavery. Major events to master are Jamestown (1607), Plymouth (1620), the founding of Massachusetts Bay, King Philip’s War, Bacon’s Rebellion, the Pueblo Revolt, Salem witch trials, the development of slave codes, and the growth of the Atlantic slave trade. Important developments: regional economies (Chesapeake tobacco, New England’s mixed economy, Middle colonies’ grains, Southern plantations), mercantilism/Navigation Acts, triangular trade, expanding self-government (house of burgesses, town meetings), legal codification of slavery, and cultural shifts from the Great Awakening and Enlightenment.

How is Unit 2 tested on multiple-choice and short-answer questions?

Unit 2 (Colonial Development, 1607–1754) makes up about 10–17% of the APUSH exam and appears in both multiple-choice and short-answer sections—see Fiveable’s guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-apush/unit-2). Multiple-choice items can be straightforward recall or stimulus-based (primary/secondary sources, maps, charts) and test Topics 2.1–2.8: colonization patterns, regional differences, transatlantic trade, slavery, and interactions with American Indians. Short-answer questions ask for concise responses with direct evidence, brief context, and a comparison or causation angle. Aim for a clear thesis plus 1–2 pieces of evidence per part; practice writing short, evidence-linked sentences. For targeted practice, use Fiveable’s Unit 2 guide and practice bank (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/apush).