Andries van Eertvelt. Ca. 1628. Painting "The Santa Maria at anchor," depicting the flagship of Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to North America. Van Eertvelt (1590–1652), a native of Flanders, lived in Genoa, Columbus's hometown, from 1628 to 1630. [Credit: Wikimedia Commons]
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Unit 1 Vocabulary
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were established in 1638-1639. They are often considered the first written constitution in America. This document laid out the framework for the government of Connecticut and was important because it allowed for a more organized and fair government and religious freedom. The orders provided a set of laws and principles that the leaders of Connecticut had to follow, ensuring that the settlers had a say in how they were governed. This idea of a written constitution influenced later American documents, including the United States Constitution.
House of Burgesses
House of Burgesses
The House of Burgesses was the first legislative assembly in the American colonies, founded in Virginia in 1619. It was made up of representatives elected by the colonists and was responsible for making laws and decisions for the colony. The establishment of the House of Burgesses marked an important step toward self-governance in the colonies and showed that colonists wanted to have a voice in their government. This assembly set a precedent for future legislative bodies in America and contributed to the idea of representative government.
Magna Carta
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta, or "Great Charter," is a historic document signed in 1215 in England. It was created to limit the power of the king and ensure certain rights for the nobility. The Magna Carta established the principle that everyone, including the king, must follow the law. This idea of limited government and protection of individual rights influenced many important documents in America, including the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The Magna Carta is often seen as a cornerstone of democracy and has had a lasting impact on the development of legal systems around the world.
Mayflower Compact
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was signed in 1620 by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower before they landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts. This agreement was important because it established a form of self-government for the new colony. The signers of the Mayflower Compact agreed to work together for the good of the colony and to create just and equal laws. This early example of social contract theory highlighted the importance of cooperation and consent among the governed. The Mayflower Compact is often viewed as a foundational step toward democratic governance in America.
Representative Government
Representative Government
Representative Government is a system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and create laws on their behalf. This idea is central to American democracy and allows for a more efficient government. By electing representatives, citizens can have their voices heard without needing to participate in every decision directly. The development of Representative Government in the colonies marked an important shift away from monarchies and towards a system where the government is accountable to the people.
Salutary Neglect
Salutary Neglect
Salutary Neglect refers to the British policy of allowing the American colonies a degree of self-governance while still under British rule during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. This policy was beneficial for the colonies because it gave them the freedom to develop their own governments and economies without excessive interference from England. However, when Britain later attempted to enforce stricter control, it led to resentment among colonists who had grown accustomed to self-rule. The concept of Salutary Neglect played a significant role in the rising desire for independence among the colonies.
Transatlantic Trade
Transatlantic Trade
Transatlantic Trade, also known as the Atlantic slave trade, was the trade route established between Europe, Africa, and the Americas from the 16th to the 19th centuries. This trade involved the exchange of goods, including enslaved people, sugar, tobacco, and other products. The Transatlantic Trade had a profound impact on the economies and societies of all three regions involved. It helped plantation owners get rich. Plantations are large farms. It fueled the growth of the American colonies and contributed to the wealth of European nations. However, it also played a critical role in the establishment of the system of slavery in America, which would have long-lasting social and economic effects.
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