Colonial settlements

Definition

The communities established by European powers in the Americas from the late 1500s through the 1700s. English colonies along the Atlantic coast developed into three distinct regions—New England, Middle, and Southern—each with different economies, religious practices, and social structures.

Examples

  • Jamestown (1607) was the first permanent English settlement in North America
  • Plymouth Colony was founded by Pilgrims seeking religious freedom in 1620
  • Pennsylvania was established by William Penn as a Quaker haven with religious tolerance

Related Terms

Colonial economies European exploration Native american societies Slavery origins

Study This Concept

Practice colonial settlements with free review games in these units:

AP US History Unit 2: 1607-1754: Colonial America