π Colonial America Vocabulary for Kids
Colonial America refers to the period in history when European countries established colonies in North America, from around 1600 to the American Revolution in the late 1700s. Understanding the key vocabulary helps us understand what life was like back then!
π Important Terms & Definitions
- π Colony: π A territory controlled by a distant country. Think of it like a branch of a company far away from the main office.
- π€ Colonist: π§βπΎ A person who lives in a colony. These were people who often left their home countries to start a new life.
- π Charter: π A document granting special rights to a person or company. Itβs like a permission slip from the king or queen!
- π§βπΎ Plantation: πΎ A large farm, usually growing crops like tobacco or cotton. These farms often used enslaved people for labor.
- π€ Indentured Servant: βοΈ A person who agreed to work for a certain number of years in exchange for passage to America and necessities. It was a common way for people to come to the colonies if they couldn't afford the trip themselves.
- enslaved people: βοΈ People, originating mostly from Africa, who were kidnapped and forced to work without pay, treated as property. This inhumane practice formed a dark cornerstone of the colonial economy.
- ποΈ Assembly: ποΈ A group of people chosen to make laws for the colony. Like a mini-government!
π°οΈ History and Background
European countries, especially England, France, Spain, and the Netherlands, wanted to gain wealth and power. They established colonies in North America to acquire resources like timber, furs, and land. Colonists came for various reasons, including religious freedom, economic opportunity, and a chance to own land.
π Key Principles
- π Mercantilism: π° An economic system where the colonies provided raw materials to the mother country, who then sold finished goods back to the colonies. It was all about the mother country getting richer!
- βͺ Religious Freedom: π Some colonies, like Plymouth and Pennsylvania, were founded by people seeking religious freedom from persecution in Europe.
- π± Self-Government: ποΈ Colonies gradually developed their own forms of government, leading to tensions with the British crown.
π Real-World Examples
- π Jamestown: π’ The first permanent English settlement in North America. It struggled at first but eventually thrived growing tobacco.
- π¦ Plymouth: π Founded by Pilgrims seeking religious freedom. Remember the first Thanksgiving!
- ποΈ Massachusetts Bay Colony: π Established by Puritans, this colony was known for its strong religious beliefs and focus on education.
β Conclusion
Understanding these vocabulary words is crucial to understanding the history of Colonial America. By learning these terms, you can better appreciate the challenges and triumphs of the people who lived in these colonies and how their experiences shaped the United States we know today.