Module 1 Maryland Flashcards
(15 cards)
What was the primary reason for the founding of the Maryland colony?
To provide a haven for Catholics
Maryland was founded as a refuge for those practicing Catholicism.
Who was the driving force behind the foundation of the Maryland colony?
Sir George Calvert, Lord Baltimore
He was favored by James I and converted to Catholicism.
What was the significance of the title Lord Baltimore?
It granted George Calvert’s son, Cecil, authority to establish Maryland
The charter was granted on June 30, 1632.
What was the economic basis of early colonial Maryland?
Tobacco cultivation
Tobacco was a labor-intensive crop that created economic opportunities.
What was the headright system in Maryland?
A system granting land based on the number of people a settler brought
Each settler received 100 acres for themselves, their spouse, and servants.
What was the social structure established in Maryland?
A feudal system with ‘Lords of the Manor’
Lords could establish local courts and rule their domains.
What led to the failure of the feudal system in Maryland?
Tensions among social classes and colonists not adhering to their roles
The system was eliminated by 1676.
What was the outcome of legislative attempts in early Maryland?
Freemen created a representative assembly in 1639
This was in response to Lord Baltimore’s rejection of their laws.
What did the Act of Toleration establish in Maryland?
Religious freedom for all Christians
Introduced by Lord Baltimore in 1649.
Which group was specifically targeted by the stipulations of the Act of Toleration?
Quakers
They could face punishment for denying the divinity of the Trinity.
What major challenge did Maryland settlers face regarding their environment?
High mortality rates due to disease
By 1642, there were less than four hundred settlers in the colony.
What was the relationship between Maryland colonists and Native Americans?
Mostly peaceful, with some minor conflicts
The Piscataway and Wicomico tribes were primarily non-threatening.
What type of labor was primarily used in early Maryland?
Indentured servants
They were contracted to work for a certain number of years before gaining freedom.
What economic divide emerged in early Maryland?
A gap between rich landowners and poorer settlers
This divide grew as large tracts of land were held by few individuals.
What was the primary crop that drove Maryland’s economy?
Tobacco
Similar to Virginia, it was a year-round, labor-intensive crop.
