3: The British in North America Flashcards
What economic system did many imperial powers from Europe use to grow powerful?
Mercantilism
Mercantilism focused on accumulating wealth through trade, particularly by exploiting colonial resources.
How did mercantilism allow an imperial country to become rich?
By selling resources taken from its colonies
This system enabled countries to accumulate gold and silver.
What resources were mentioned as bringing wealth to the home country?
- Fish
- Furs
- Wood
- Iron ore
These resources were abundant in the colonies and crucial for trade.
What advantage did the home country have with unlimited access to colonial resources?
It no longer had to pay to get them from other countries
This led to reduced costs and increased profits.
What could the imperial country do with resources it did not need?
Sell them to other countries in exchange for gold and silver
This practice further enriched the imperial power.
Which imperial power is examined as an example of mercantilism?
Britain
Britain utilized the mercantile system through its colonies in North America.
What was Britain’s goal in using the mercantile system through its colonies?
To obtain everything it needed to become rich and powerful
The strategy aimed at self-sufficiency and wealth accumulation.
Fill in the blank: Mercantilism allowed imperial countries to grow powerful by accumulating _______.
gold and silver
These precious metals were the primary measure of wealth in mercantilist economies.
True or False: The mercantile system encouraged imperial powers to rely on other nations for resources.
False
The system was designed to minimize reliance on external resources.
What was the primary belief of European imperial powers regarding empires?
An empire was the path to wealth and power.
Who was the first English explorer to attempt building a colony in North America?
Walter Raleigh
What year did Walter Raleigh first attempt to build a colony in North America?
1585
What happened to Walter Raleigh’s first attempt to establish a colony?
It failed.
What was the outcome of Walter Raleigh’s second attempt to build a colony in North America?
It failed too.
Fill in the blank: The British built colonies in America to expand their _______.
empire
True or False: Walter Raleigh was successful in his first and second attempts to establish a colony in North America.
False
What was a significant reason for the British to colonize America?
To gain wealth and power.
Why was it important for Britain to build colonies in America?
To enhance the economy, compete with Spain and France, improve quality of life, and provide religious freedom
These factors motivated Britain to establish colonies as a means to gain wealth and power.
What economic reason drove Britain to establish colonies in America?
To make money similar to France, Spain, and Portugal
These countries had profited significantly from their colonies in the Americas.
What was a key competitive reason for establishing colonies?
To prevent Spain and France from becoming more powerful
Britain aimed to expand its own empire and influence.
How did overcrowding in British cities influence colonial expansion?
Colonies provided a place to resettle people
This was essential for alleviating the population pressures in Britain.
Which religious groups sought freedom in the American colonies?
Puritans, Quakers, and Baptists
These groups faced persecution in Britain due to their beliefs.
What was King James I’s concern regarding the establishment of colonies?
The cost of setting up the colonies
He was worried about the financial implications for the government.
In what year did King James I begin granting permission for private groups to set up colonies?
1607
This marked a significant step in the establishment of British colonies in North America.