. Mercantilism & Colonies
What was the main goal of mercantilism?
To build national power by increasing wealth, especially gold and silver
Who was Martin Luther and what did he challenge?
A German priest who challenged the Catholic Church’s authority (pope), starting the Reformation.
What was the Northwest Passage supposed to be?
A direct water route through North America to Asia.
What is the Columbian Exchange?
The global transfer of people, goods, technology, ideas, and diseases between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
What was the main resource the French sought in North America?
Furs (and fish).
What is the difference between an export and an import?
Export = selling goods to other countries; Import = buying goods from other countries.
What is Protestantism?
A form of Christianity that began in opposition to the Catholic Church.
Name one animal Europeans brought to the Americas
Horses, pigs, sheep, cattle, or chickens.
Why did governments use tariffs on imported goods?
To make imports more expensive and protect local industries.
Why did King Philip II of Spain send the Armada to invade England in 1588?
To overthrow Protestantism and restore Catholicism in England.
Name one crop from the Americas that changed diets in Europe.
Corn, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, or chili peppers.
What was the capital of New Netherland, built on Manhattan Island?
New Amsterdam.
How did colonies support the mercantilist system?
Provided raw materials (like cotton, lumber, iron)
or
Provided gold and silver
What happened when the Spanish Armada fought England’s navy?
The smaller, faster English ships defeated Spain’s powerful Armada.
What happened to Henry Hudson after exploring Hudson Bay?
His crew mutinied, set him adrift in a small boat, and he was never seen again.
How did corn impact animal populations?
Made animals "fatter" and provided more food
Why did the French have better relationships with Native Americans than other Europeans?
They lived among them, learned their languages, traded, and converted some to Christianity.
Why did mercantilism lead to competition and rivalry between European nations?
Nations wanted more colonies to control resources, wealth, and power.
Why did religious differences in Europe spill over into the Americas?
Colonies were founded by both Catholics and Protestants who wanted to spread their faith.
Why were European nations so determined to find a Northwest Passage?
To create a faster, cheaper trade route to Asia.
What were two negative effects of the Columbian Exchange on Native Americans?
Diseases like smallpox, measles, and malaria killed millions; loss of culture/lands.
Why did the French colony grow more slowly than others?
Their main focus was gathering natural resources (furs) and not establishing cities or large colonies.