North America

Definition

North America is a continent located in the Northern Hemisphere, bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It includes countries such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and has a rich history of colonization and conflict among European powers, especially during the period of colonial rivalry in the 17th and 18th centuries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the 17th and 18th centuries, North America was a battleground for colonial powers like France, Britain, and Spain, each vying for control over land and resources.
2. The French and Indian War (1754-1763) was a significant conflict between Britain and France that had lasting effects on their colonial ambitions in North America.
3. British victories in North America led to the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which transferred significant territories from France to Britain.
4. Colonial rivalry in North America contributed to tensions that eventually sparked revolutionary movements, particularly against British rule.
5. North America's diverse geography, including mountains, rivers, and fertile plains, played a crucial role in shaping settlement patterns and economic activities among colonial powers.

Review Questions

• How did colonial powers compete for control over North America during the 17th and 18th centuries?
  • Colonial powers such as Britain, France, and Spain competed fiercely for control over North America through military conflict, treaties, and alliances with Native American tribes. The strategic importance of trade routes and resource-rich territories led to several wars, including the French and Indian War. This competition not only shaped territorial boundaries but also influenced economic practices and relationships with indigenous populations.
• Evaluate the impact of the Treaty of Paris 1763 on the colonial landscape of North America.
  • The Treaty of Paris 1763 drastically altered the colonial landscape of North America by ending the French and Indian War. France ceded vast territories to Britain, effectively eliminating its presence on the mainland. This shift not only expanded British colonial claims but also created new tensions with Native American tribes and set the stage for future conflicts as British settlers moved westward into newly acquired lands.
• Assess how the economic theories such as mercantilism shaped colonial policies in North America during this era.
  • Mercantilism significantly influenced colonial policies in North America by promoting the idea that colonies existed primarily for the benefit of the mother country. This led to regulations that restricted trade to ensure that resources flowed back to Europe. Colonial economies were structured around agriculture and resource extraction aimed at maximizing profit for Britain. These economic policies often sparked resentment among colonists who felt stifled by regulations, contributing to revolutionary sentiments that questioned British authority.

Related terms

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring control over another country or territory, establishing settlements, and exploiting resources for economic gain.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and colonial expansion to enhance national power.

Treaty of Paris 1763:

The agreement that ended the Seven Years' War (also known as the French and Indian War) and significantly reshaped territorial claims in North America.