Period 2

1607-1754

Period 2: 1607-1754

The next period is largely focused on European (including the British this time) exploration and settlement. The beginning date is the founding of Jamestown, as discussed above. The end date is the start of the French and Indian War, which totally changed the game in the British colonies.

The big concepts for this period are:

  • Motivations for and patterns of immigration by the Spanish, English, Dutch, and French

  • Interactions between Europeans and Native Americans

  • Characteristics of the 13 British colonies (including regional distinctions between the Southern, Middle Atlantic, and New England colonies)

  • Economic policies: mercantilism, the slave trade, salutary neglect

  • Creating a distinct American identity- Enlightenment, Great Awakening, print culture, emphasis on education

  • Self government

Period 2 Review Practice Items


  1. ***Best*** Period 2 Personal Progress Check in AP Classroom

  2. Khan Academy

  3. High School Test Prep- select Period 2

  4. Albert.io- scroll down to Period 2

  5. Released Items


Period 2 Study Guides

  1. Fiveable.me

  2. Another good resource from Fiveable

  3. Gilder Lehrman

Helpful Charts and Graphics

Period 2 Review Videos

Step 1: Watch a Big Overview Video For Period 2

Step 2: Dive into videos based on the CB's Key Concepts

Step 3: Drill down to videos made about specific Period topics.