AMSCO 2.2 European Colonization Notes

Topic 2.2

📍Topic 2.2 European Colonization in North America

📖 AMSCO p.34 - p.36

Main Idea

Key Timeline

Image Courtesy of Sarah

Things to Know

Spanish Colonies

• They were slow to develop because of limited resources and opposition
• Also worked to expand their Christian values and counteract others
• Men made up most of the population, which included Africans and Native Americans into the colonies
• Their colonies consisted of: California, Florida, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona

French Colonies

• Men made up most of the population
• Few of the colonizers were French
• Some were missionaries here for Christian work & the rest were economic fur traders
• Many of the men married American Indian women
• These American Indian women served as translators, guides, and navigators
• Quebec was the first French settlement in America in 1608
• Robert de La Salle founded Louisiana (naming it after French King Louis XIV)
• By the time 1718 came, the French moved downwards to form a more permanent settlement known as New Orleans
• Because New Orleans is near the Gulf of Mexico, it became a popular trading post

Dutch Colonies

• Henry Hudson, an English sailor, was the catalyst for Dutch expeditions
• He established claims in New Amsterdam (known today as New York)
• The Dutch West India Company controlled economic gain
• It was a small colony just like the French, and built strong trade connections with American Indians
• They also settled near either major rivers or trading posts
• And were less likely to get married to American Indians

British Colonies

• They were interested in the lands that John Cabot explored
• England could not keep up with its growing population and this led to the journey to America
• Joint-Stock Companies were used to finance British colonization
• Most of the population made up of mostly single women and families
• These single women and families were interested in farming
• The English claimed American Indian land
• Despite this, they were not interested in the marrying American Indian women
• The English helped attract many European colonizers, which led to them settling in America with hopes of freedom or a better life

Terms to Remember

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