European Colonization - AP U.S. History

Identify the explorer who established St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S.

Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. Spanish admiral founded this fortress city in 1565 to protect shipping routes.
Which European power established New Amsterdam?

The Netherlands. Dutch established this trading post on Manhattan Island in 1624.
What was the impact of the Columbian Exchange on Europe?

Introduction of new crops and resources. Exchange brought potatoes, tomatoes, and tobacco, transforming European agriculture and diet.
What was the significance of the Spanish Armada's defeat in 1588?

It marked the decline of Spanish naval dominance. English victory opened seas for colonization and weakened Spanish power.
What was the primary cause of conflict in King Philip's War?

Tensions over land between New England settlers and Indigenous peoples. Metacom led indigenous resistance against English expansion in 1675-1676.
Which treaty divided the New World between Spain and Portugal in 1494?

The Treaty of Tordesillas. Pope-mediated agreement gave Spain most of the New World, Portugal got Brazil.
Who was the leader of the failed Roanoke Colony?

John White. Governor of the mysterious 'Lost Colony' that disappeared without trace.
What was the significance of the House of Burgesses?

It was the first legislative assembly in the American colonies. Virginia's 1619 assembly marked the beginning of representative government in America.
Which colony was founded by the Pilgrims in 1620?

Plymouth Colony. Pilgrims established this settlement after the Mayflower voyage seeking religious freedom.
Who was the founder of Pennsylvania, emphasizing religious freedom?

William Penn. Quaker leader established Pennsylvania as a 'holy experiment' welcoming all faiths.
Which European power established the colony of Brazil?

Portugal. Portuguese focused on sugar production using African slave labor.
What was the primary cash crop in colonial Virginia?

Tobacco. John Rolfe developed a profitable tobacco strain that saved the Virginia colony.
What was the Encomienda System?

A labor system granting colonists control over Indigenous labor. Spanish colonial system exploiting indigenous labor in exchange for protection.
What was the main purpose of the Navigation Acts?

To control colonial trade and ensure it benefited England. Mercantilist laws required colonial goods to pass through English ports.
What was the primary goal of Columbus's 1492 voyage?

To find a direct sea route to Asia. Columbus sought a western route to the Indies for spice trade, but reached the Americas instead.
Which English colony was known for its religious tolerance?

Rhode Island. Roger Williams founded this colony emphasizing separation of church and state.
What was the main economic activity of New France?

Fur trade. French trappers and traders built relationships with indigenous peoples.
Which European country founded Quebec in 1608?

France. Samuel de Champlain established this trading post along the St. Lawrence River.
What was the primary economic activity in French Canada during colonization?

Fur trading. French focused on profitable beaver pelts rather than large-scale settlement.
What was the original name of New York City under Dutch control?

New Amsterdam. Named after Amsterdam, it was captured by England and renamed New York.
What was the primary motive for French exploration in North America?

To expand the fur trade. French sought beaver pelts for European hat-making industry profits.
Which agreement was signed aboard the Mayflower in 1620?

The Mayflower Compact. Established self-governance principles before landing at Plymouth Rock.
What was the main reason for the founding of Georgia?

As a buffer against Spanish Florida and a debtor's colony. Oglethorpe created this colony for debtors and defense against Spanish Florida.
Which Indigenous empire did Hernán Cortés conquer?

The Aztec Empire. Cortés defeated Montezuma's empire with superior weapons and indigenous allies.
Which European nation established the colony of Louisiana?

France. French claimed this vast territory from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Who led the first successful English colony in North America?

John Smith. Smith's leadership saved Jamestown during the 'starving time' crisis.
Which colony was originally founded as a haven for Catholics?

Maryland. Lord Baltimore founded this colony as a refuge for English Catholics.
Name the colony founded by James Oglethorpe.

Georgia. Oglethorpe established this buffer colony against Spanish Florida in 1733.
Name the first permanent English settlement in North America.

Jamestown. Founded in 1607, it became the first successful permanent English colony in America.
What was the primary goal of the Puritans settling in Massachusetts Bay?

To create a religiously pure community. Puritans sought to purify the Church of England in the New World.
Which cash crop was significant in the Caribbean colonies?

Sugar. Sugar plantations drove the Caribbean slave trade and colonial economy.
Name the economic system emphasizing national wealth through colonial expansion.

Mercantilism. Economic theory requiring colonies to provide raw materials to the mother country.
What was the main purpose of the Spanish missions in the Americas?

To convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity. Spanish missionaries sought to spread Catholicism and control indigenous populations.
Identify the year the Jamestown settlement was established.

1607. Founded by the Virginia Company as England's first permanent American settlement.
What role did the Hudson River play in Dutch colonization?

It was a major trade route for New Amsterdam. River provided access to interior fur trading with indigenous peoples.

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