Topic 2 Study Guide
In Topic 2, European Colonization of North America (1500-1750), our class learned that the
Spanish were the first to colonize North America, by settling in Florida. The French and Dutch also
colonized North America, seeking profit. However, English colonists took most of the control of
colonizing North America, by establishing the thirteen original colonies. These colonies were split into
three different regions and settlers were motivated to take the journey to America for opportunity
(profit or freedom of religion). During this topic we learned how the three regions were developed, how
they were governed by England, types of religion in the colonies, natural resources, economy, and how
new ideas shaped America. Below is a list of objectives and questions to help you prepare for our exam
on September 22nd (Black Day) and September 23rd (Gold Day). The exam will consist of 10 free
response questions and 10 multiple choice questions.
Objectives from Topic 2-These were some of the major objectives covered in Topic 2. Be able to do
these!
 Describe how conquistadors defeated two Native American empires.
 Explain why Spain settled its colonies.
 Explain the causes and effects of the slave trade.
 Explain why Europeans explored North America’s coast.
 Identify reasons for English colonization.
 Explain how Virginia became a tradition of representative of government.
 Understand how Jamestown survived.
 Analyze how religious freedom shaped the New England colonies.
 Identify the significance of the Mayflower Compact.
 Explain reasons for settlement of the Middle colonies.
 Describe life and government in the Middle colonies.
 Analyze the structure of the Southern colonies.
 Describe differences among the three regions of colonies.
 Explain and understand the development of the slave trade.
 Outline the structure of colonial society.
 Describe colonial ways of life.
Study Questions (Remember, these are not exact questions on the test, but will help you in preparing
for the exam.
1.) Describe the efforts of Spain in establishing colonies in America. What areas did they colonize?
How did Cortes and other conquistadors take over such huge empires? (2.1)
2.) Describe the French efforts in colonizing North America (2.2)
3.) How were the interactions between Natives and the French and Spanish different? (2.1,2.2)
4.) Describe the first English attempt at colonization (Roanoke). Was it successful? Why/Why not?
(2.2)
5.) Discuss the founding of Jamestown. What were struggles? How did the colony eventually
survive? (2.2)
6.) The Pilgrims came to America for religious freedom. They landed in the Massachusetts Bay
colony. Why did they develop the Mayflower Compact? What were the major ideas of this
document? (2.3)
7.) Compare and contrast the Tidewater and Backcountry (Check your notes).
8.) Why did the growth of settlers in the New England colonies result in war between the
Wampanoag tribe and the settlers? (2.3)
9.) The Middle Colonies are known for opportunity. Why was England interested in New
Amsterdam? When England gained control of it, what did they rename it? (2.4)
10.) Describe the Great Awakening in a paragraph (2.6)
11.) How did New Jersey become a colony and why were settlers upset when it became a royal
colony? (2.4)
12.) Discuss how slaves were brought to America. Why were so many brought to the Southern
colonies? (2.5)
13.) Why did the Puritans want to educate their children? (2.6)
14.) Who were leaders of the Enlightenment? How did Benjamin Franklin contribute to America?
(2.6)
15.) Why was Pennsylvania different than the other Middle colonies? (2.4)
16.) How was Maryland a unique colony? What was the Act of Toleration? (2.5)
17.) What was the House of Burgesses? (2.7)
18.) How was a person’s social status determined? (2.6)
19.) Discuss the major differences between the New England colonies, Southern colonies, and
Middle colonies? (Maps)
20.) What colonies allowed complete freedom of religion? (there were three of these/look at notes)