Protestantism
A branch of Christianity that originated with the Reformation, a movement against what its followers considered to be errors in the Roman Catholic Church. It encompasses a variety of religious beliefs and practices that emerged in the 16th century.
Church of England
The primary state church in England, established in 1534 by King Henry VIII through the Act of Supremacy. It is also known as the Anglican Church and is a Protestant denomination.
Atlantic Economy
Refers to the trade system that developed across the Atlantic Ocean from the 16th to 19th centuries, involving Europe, Africa, and the Americas. This economy was driven by the exchange of goods, including slaves, raw materials, and manufactured products.
Métis
A group of peoples in Canada who trace their descent to Indigenous North Americans and European settlers, primarily French and Scottish fur traders. They have a distinct culture and are recognized as one of Canada's Aboriginal peoples.
Jamestown
The first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in 1607 in Virginia. It played a crucial role in the early history of the United States and was named after King James I of England.
Powhatan Confederacy
A coalition of Indigenous tribes led by Chief Powhatan in what is now Virginia during the early 17th century. The confederacy played a significant role in the early years of the Jamestown colony.
House of Burgesses
The first legislative assembly of elected representatives in North America, established in the Virginia Colony in 1619. It marked the beginning of representative government in what would become the United States.
Indentured Servants
Individuals who agreed to work for a certain number of years in exchange for transportation to North America, as well as food, clothing, and shelter. This system was prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Bacon's Rebellion
A 1676 rebellion in the Virginia Colony led by Nathaniel Bacon against the rule of Governor William Berkeley. It was sparked by grievances over land policies and Native American relations.
Pilgrims
A group of English Separatists who sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 and founded Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. They sought religious freedom and are often associated with the first Thanksgiving.
Mayflower Compact
A 1620 agreement created by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, establishing self-government and majority rule for their new colony. It is considered a foundational document for American democracy.
Puritans
A religious group that sought to purify the Church of England from within, advocating for a more rigorous and moralistic approach to worship and daily life. Many Puritans settled in New England during the 17th century.
Pequot War
A conflict between the Pequot tribe and an alliance of English colonists and their Native American allies from 1636 to 1638 in New England. The war resulted in the near-destruction of the Pequot people.
King Philip's War
A war between Native American inhabitants of New England and English settlers from 1675 to 1678, named after Metacom (King Philip), a leader of the Wampanoag tribe. It was one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history.