Study Guide and Learning Resources

Short Answer:

As you read the chapter and view the videos, take notes on the following questions. Be sure to provide specific examples from this text in your responses. Responses should be at least 1-2 paragraphs (short answer guidelines ):

  1. How did Spanish settlement in Florida, New Mexico and California play out in the sixteenth century? What were the role of Catholic missionaries in this settlement? What were relations between the Spanish and Natives like in this period? What was the “Black Legend”?

  2. Describe France’s strategy in settling New France. What was the role of the fur trade in New France? What were French relations with Native Americans like? What was the role of Catholic missionaries in New France?

  3. What sort of colony was New Netherlands? What was its place in the Dutch colonial trading Empire? What were relations between the Dutch settlers in New Netherlands and the Native Americans like? How did the Dutch contribute to importation of African slaves into North America and the beginning of slavery as an institution in the Americas?

  4. How did the small country of Portugal gain possession of Brazil? How did Brazil become profitable? What was the role of slavery in Brazil?

  5. England did not have any colonies in the Americas during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (r. 1558-1603). However, what developments during Elizabeth’s reign within England as well as those involving England’s relations with colonial powers such as Spain set the stage for the establishment of English colonies?

  6. Why did the English settle in Jamestown in 1607? Who came to Jamestown and what did they expect to find in the New World? What were living conditions like and life in general for English settlers in Jamestown during the first ten years?

  7. Describe the background of the Puritans and the development of the New England colonies

Key Terms:


As you read and view the videos, use the following terms to help you take notes.

  • Franciscans

  • Black Legend

  • Northwest Passage

  • Samuel de Champlain

  • Jesuits

  • Métis

  • middle ground

  • New Netherland

  • wampum

  • Iroquois

  • Treaty of Tordesillas

  • Richard Hakluyt

  • joint-stock companies

  • piracy

  • Spanish Armada

  • Jamestown

  • Powhatan Confederacy

  • tobacco

  • Curse of Ham 2

  • Puritans