Vocabulary
What is a colony?
A territory ruled by another country.
What was the main occupation of most colonists?
Farming.
Name one European country besides Britain whose people settled in the colonies.
France, Germany, Holland, Sweden, or others.
Which country ruled the thirteen colonies?
Great Britain.
What does self-sufficient mean?
Able to produce many of the things you need yourself.
Name one crop grown in the Middle Colonies.
Wheat, oats, or barley.
Who lived in North America long before European settlers arrived?
Native Americans.
Who was Britain's king during the 1770s?
King George III.
What is an indentured servant?
A person who agreed to work for a set number of years under a contract, often in exchange for passage to America.
Why was farming difficult in New England?
Cold climate and rocky soil.
What was one major injustice faced by enslaved Africans?
They were forced to work without pay and denied freedom and basic rights.
What does being a subject mean?
Being under the authority of a government or ruler.
What is a plantation?
A large farm that needed many workers.
Why were rivers important to farmers?
They helped transport goods to markets.
Who could vote in most colonies?
Generally adult white men who met property or other requirements.
Why did colonists gain experience governing themselves?
Britain often paid limited attention to colonial affairs, and colonists developed local governments.
What does diverse mean?
Having differences in backgrounds, customs, or ideas.
Name two things colonial families often made themselves.
Clothing, furniture, tools, food, or medicine.
Why were colonial societies considered diverse?
They included people with many different backgrounds, customs, religions, and ideas.
Who were the Founders?
Leaders who helped establish the United States and shape its government.