APUSH UNIT 2 PROGRESS CHECK - domainedemanville

APUSH Unit 2 Progress Check: Navigating Colonial America

APUSH Unit 2 typically covers the period of colonial America, focusing on the diverse development of British colonies in North America from roughly 1607 to 1754. Understanding the economic, social, and political characteristics of the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies is crucial for success in the APUSH exam. This progress check helps students assess their comprehension of these foundational concepts.

Understanding Colonial Regions

The thirteen British colonies are usually categorized into three regions: New England, Middle, and Southern. Each region developed distinct characteristics shaped by geography, economic opportunities, and the social values of its settlers.

New England Colonies

The New England colonies (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire) were characterized by rocky soil, a short growing season, and a reliance on fishing, shipbuilding, and trade. Puritan religious beliefs heavily influenced social and political life, leading to close-knit communities and a focus on education.

Middle Colonies

The Middle Colonies (New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware) were a diverse region with fertile land suitable for farming grains. They attracted immigrants from various European countries, resulting in a more tolerant and cosmopolitan society. Commerce and trade flourished in cities like Philadelphia and New York.

Southern Colonies

The Southern Colonies (Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia) had a warm climate and fertile land ideal for growing cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo. The plantation system dominated the economy, relying heavily on enslaved African labor. This created a hierarchical social structure with wealthy landowners at the top and a large enslaved population at the bottom. Learn more about the economic history of the Southern United States on Wikipedia. apush score calculator

Key Themes and Concepts

Beyond regional differences, APUSH Unit 2 also explores broader themes, including mercantilism, the development of representative government, religious movements like the Great Awakening, and conflicts between colonists and Native Americans.

Mercantilism

Mercantilism was the economic system by which Great Britain sought to regulate colonial trade to benefit the mother country. Colonies were expected to provide raw materials and serve as markets for British manufactured goods. This system led to resentment among colonists who felt restricted by British trade policies.

Representative Government

Despite being subject to British rule, the colonies developed forms of representative government, such as the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Massachusetts General Court. These assemblies allowed colonists to participate in decision-making and laid the groundwork for future independence.

The Great Awakening

The Great Awakening was a series of religious revivals that swept through the colonies in the 1730s and 1740s. apush unit 2 mcq It emphasized personal religious experience over traditional church authority and contributed to a sense of American identity.

FAQs

What were the main differences between the New England and Southern colonies?

New England focused on trade and shipbuilding, with strong Puritan influence. The South relied on agriculture, particularly cash crops, and heavily depended on enslaved labor.

What was the impact of the Great Awakening?

It fostered religious fervor, challenged traditional authority, and contributed to a shared American identity.

How did mercantilism affect the colonies?

It restricted colonial trade, benefiting Britain but causing resentment among colonists.

What role did slavery play in the colonial economy?

Slavery was essential to the Southern economy, particularly for plantation agriculture. It also existed, to a lesser extent, in the Middle and New England colonies.

What were the main forms of colonial self-government? apush unit 2 progress check mcq

Examples include the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Massachusetts General Court, which allowed colonists to participate in decision-making.

Summary

APUSH Unit 2 covers a crucial period in American history, examining the diverse development of the British colonies and the factors that shaped their societies, economies, and political systems. Understanding these foundational concepts is essential for succeeding in the course and on the AP exam. By focusing on regional differences, key themes like mercantilism and the Great Awakening, and the development of representative government, students can build a strong understanding of colonial America.