Georgia’s Regions
Which region is known for the highest rainfall in Georgia, and why is this important for the state’s rivers?
What is Blue Ridge
The Fall Line separates which two regions, and what geographic change happens at this boundary?
Piedmont and Coastal Plain; rivers drop in elevation, creating waterfalls and rapids.
Spain’s main goals in exploring the New World are summed up as “God, Gold, and Glory.” Explain what each meant.
God—spread Christianity
Gold—search for wealth
Glory—expand power and empire.
Who was James Oglethorpe, and why did he want to start the Georgia colony?
A British philanthropist; wanted a colony for debtors, for charity, defense, and economic opportunity.
Why was Georgia slower than other colonies to join the Revolution?
Georgia was younger, still dependent on Britain for protection and trade, and many remained loyal to the king.
What river forms Georgia’s border with South Carolina?
Savannah River
Atlanta is located in the Piedmont region. How has this location contributed to its growth as Georgia’s largest city?
What is: The Piedmont has fertile soil, rolling hills, and is along major transportation routes like railroads and highways.
Why did cities like Macon, Augusta, and Columbus grow along the Fall Line? Give two reasons.
Waterfalls powered mills/factories, and the rapids stopped boats, making them natural trade centers.
How did Hernando de Soto’s expedition impact American Indians in Georgia?
Thousands died from disease, violence, and loss of food/resources after villages were raided.
How did Tomochichi help Oglethorpe and the Georgia colonists?
Gave land for Savannah, guided Oglethorpe, helped maintain peaceful trade and alliances.
Who were the three Georgia signers of the Declaration of Independence?
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton.
What natural wonder is one of the largest freshwater swamps in North America and home to unique wildlife?
Okefenokee Swamp
Which region contains Lookout Mountain?
Appalachian Plateau
How did the Fall Line contribute to Georgia’s industrial growth in the 1800s?
The waterfalls powered textile mills and other factories, helping industry grow.
Why did Spain build missions on the Barrier Islands?
To convert American Indians to Christianity and strengthen Spanish control of the land.
Why was Mary Musgrove important in the early colony?
Served as translator and cultural bridge between colonists and Creek people
What was the significance of the Battle of Kettle Creek?
Patriot victory that boosted morale, captured supplies, and showed Loyalists could be defeated.
Why is Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport important to Georgia’s economy?
It is one of the busiest airports in the world, supports jobs, tourism, and international trade.
Explain why the Ridge and Valley region was historically important to Georgia’s economy.
It has fertile valleys for farming and rich resources like timber, textiles, and mining opportunities.
What was one challenge and one advantage of rivers at the Fall Line for early settlers?
Challenge—boats could not pass the rapids
Advantage—good location for trade and settlement.
Which Native American culture was living in Georgia when the Spanish arrived, and what were two of their main characteristics?
Mississippian culture: lived in chiefdoms, farmed corn (maize) squash/beans, built mounds for ceremonies.
Which three groups were banned from the colony under the Charter of 1732, and why?
Catholics (fear of loyalty to Spain), liquor dealers (viewed as harmful), lawyers (seen as unnecessary troublemakers).
Why was the Siege of Savannah in 1779 important, and what was the outcome?
Second bloodiest battle of the war; Patriots and French allies failed to recapture Savannah from the British.
How do Georgia’s four transportation systems (highways, railroads, ports, airport) work together to make Georgia the “transportation hub of the Southeast”?
They connect goods and people by land, sea, and air—helping Georgia trade nationally and globally.
Which region of Georgia is sometimes called the “TAG Corner” because it meets with Tennessee and Alabama, and what is one key feature found there?
The Appalachian Plateau; it’s the smallest region in Georgia and includes Lookout Mountain.
Describe how the Fall Line still affects Georgia’s economy today.
Cities along the Fall Line remain important economic centers for trade, industry, and transportation.
Compare Spain’s goals in Georgia to Britain’s later goals in Georgia.
Spain focused on spreading religion and finding gold, while Britain focused on trade, defense, and settlement.
Explain the difference between the Trustee period and Royal period of Georgia
Trustee period (1732–1752) ruled by trustees with restrictions; Royal period had a royal governor and allowed slavery, plantations, and self-government.
How did the Proclamation of 1763 and the Stamp Act anger Georgia colonists?
Proclamation limited settlement west of the Appalachians; Stamp Act taxed paper goods without representation.
Which Georgia city was the first capital of the state, and why was its location important at the time?
Savannah; it was on the coast, making it a key port for trade and defense in colonial Georgia.