🏈 “First Half” – Early European Exploration
Spain’s “MVP” explorer who first claimed Georgia’s land for Spain in 1540.
Who is Hernando de Soto?
Georgia’s main Native culture when Europeans arrived.
Who were the Mississippian Indians?
Britain’s first colony in Georgia, founded like an expansion team in 1733.
What is Savannah?
Georgia’s climate allowed these “cash-crop players” to score big profits.
What are rice and indigo?
The treaty that ended the French and Indian War in 1763, giving Britain new territory.
What is the Treaty of Paris (1763)?
Main goal Spain had for exploring the Southeast—think of it as chasing the championship trophy.
What is gold (God, glory, and gold)?
These were the Mississippian “stadiums”—large earthen structures for ceremonies.
What are mounds?
He coached Georgia’s founding—like a team’s first head coach.
Who is James Oglethorpe?
Britain wanted colonies to supply raw materials and buy finished goods—like a farm team feeding the pros.
What is mercantilism?
This boundary, set after the war, was like a sideline colonists couldn’t cross.
What is the Proclamation Line of 1763?
These forts along the Georgia coast were like defensive “end zones” protecting Spain’s territory.
What are the Spanish missions?
Trading with Europeans was like drafting new players. This new “player” (animal) changed hunting.
What is the horse?
The three goals of Georgia’s charter—defense, economics, and this social cause—were like three team strategies.
What is charity (helping debtors)?
The Salzburgers and Highland Scots settled in Georgia for this “training camp” reason.
What is religious freedom / defense?
Sporting term for the British tax acts that “penalized” colonists.
What are the Intolerable Acts / taxes?
European nations competed for land like rival sports teams fight for this season-ending prize.
What is a colony/territory?
The impact of European contact on Native populations could be compared to this sports term for a crushing defeat.
What is a blowout or devastation?
Georgia served as a buffer colony to protect this “home team” colony to the north.
What is South Carolina?
This trade route moved goods, enslaved Africans, and cash crops like a three-way trade play.
What is the Triangular Trade?
Georgia’s role in the American Revolution was like a rookie team with this initial stance.
What is loyalist/neutral?
This deadly factor defeated more Natives than European weapons, like an unexpected injury that changes a game.
What are diseases?
Many Natives joined European conflicts to gain this competitive edge, like free agents hoping for a title.
What is military advantage/alliance?
Colonists who were unhappy with rules on slavery and land ownership were nicknamed this, like disgruntled fans.
Who were the Malcontents?
Georgia’s rivers served as natural “assist players” for moving goods. Name one major river used for trade.
What is the Savannah, Altamaha, or Ogeechee River?
The invention that later transformed Georgia’s economy like a game-winning play.
What is the cotton gin?