APUSH
US HISTORY
___
PERIOD 2 [1607-1754]
______________________________________________________________________________
, 2
EUROPEAN Colonization in the Americas 2.2
______________________________________________________________________________
Spanish Colonization: *mining and farming/ colonization
• The Spanish viewed colonies in the Americas as a source of
wealth, primarily through mining gold and silver and agriculture.
• They initially used the encomienda system, which forced Native
Americans to work in farming and mining, but it failed due to the
decline of the native population. They eventually replaced natives
with African slave labor. (Due to decrease of populations of natives
from diseases, etc)
• The Casta System introduced a rigid racial hierarchy based on
ancestry in the colonies.
• The Spanish focused heavily on converting Native Americans to
Christianity through the Mission System. Some natives converted,
while others resisted and maintained indigenous religious practices
(e.g., Pueblo Revolt in 1680).
French Colonization:
, 3
• In 1524, the French became interested in the Americas, hoping to
find a water route to initiate trade with Asia. Initial interest was
delayed due to internal wars and religious conflict in Europe.
• In 1608, Samuel de Champlain established the French settlement
of Quebec.
• French colonial focus was on trade, not conquest, particularly in
the fur and fish trades.
• Fewer French settlers arrived compared to other European
powers, but they established trading outposts across North
America.
• French traders often married Native American women to form
alliances, notably with groups like the Ojibwe Indians. These
alliances facilitated cultural exchanges and mutual benefits:
• The Ojibwe taught the French how to process beaver pelts
for trade.
• The French introduced iron cookware, farming tools, and
manufactured goods.
Dutch Colonization: *Maritime trade
• The Dutch were also searching for a water passage to Asia. Henry
Hudson failed to find one but discovered the Hudson River,
claiming the surrounding territory for the Dutch. By 1624, this area
became the colony of New Amsterdam.
• The Dutch had an economic focus, with New Amsterdam serving
as a trading hub that attracted traders, fishermen, and farmers.
• Despite being Protestant, the Dutch showed little interest in
converting Native Americans, prioritizing economic goals instead.
US HISTORY
___
PERIOD 2 [1607-1754]
______________________________________________________________________________
, 2
EUROPEAN Colonization in the Americas 2.2
______________________________________________________________________________
Spanish Colonization: *mining and farming/ colonization
• The Spanish viewed colonies in the Americas as a source of
wealth, primarily through mining gold and silver and agriculture.
• They initially used the encomienda system, which forced Native
Americans to work in farming and mining, but it failed due to the
decline of the native population. They eventually replaced natives
with African slave labor. (Due to decrease of populations of natives
from diseases, etc)
• The Casta System introduced a rigid racial hierarchy based on
ancestry in the colonies.
• The Spanish focused heavily on converting Native Americans to
Christianity through the Mission System. Some natives converted,
while others resisted and maintained indigenous religious practices
(e.g., Pueblo Revolt in 1680).
French Colonization:
, 3
• In 1524, the French became interested in the Americas, hoping to
find a water route to initiate trade with Asia. Initial interest was
delayed due to internal wars and religious conflict in Europe.
• In 1608, Samuel de Champlain established the French settlement
of Quebec.
• French colonial focus was on trade, not conquest, particularly in
the fur and fish trades.
• Fewer French settlers arrived compared to other European
powers, but they established trading outposts across North
America.
• French traders often married Native American women to form
alliances, notably with groups like the Ojibwe Indians. These
alliances facilitated cultural exchanges and mutual benefits:
• The Ojibwe taught the French how to process beaver pelts
for trade.
• The French introduced iron cookware, farming tools, and
manufactured goods.
Dutch Colonization: *Maritime trade
• The Dutch were also searching for a water passage to Asia. Henry
Hudson failed to find one but discovered the Hudson River,
claiming the surrounding territory for the Dutch. By 1624, this area
became the colony of New Amsterdam.
• The Dutch had an economic focus, with New Amsterdam serving
as a trading hub that attracted traders, fishermen, and farmers.
• Despite being Protestant, the Dutch showed little interest in
converting Native Americans, prioritizing economic goals instead.
