AMSCO AP United States History Exam (APUSH) – Period 2 Practice Test

The establishment of the Georgia colony was primarily driven by the desire to create a strategic buffer against Spanish Florida and to provide a fresh start for the poor and indebted individuals. Founded by James Oglethorpe in 1733, Georgia was envisioned as a place where the marginalized could rebuild their lives and escape the harsh conditions of debtors' prisons in England. This humanitarian aspect was paired with a strategic military purpose; the colony was positioned to protect the more prosperous colonies to the north from potential Spanish incursions. Georgia's founding thus mixed social reform with military strategy, highlighting its unique role within the context of the colonial landscape. Additionally, while other options reference trade, religious freedom, and specific groups such as the Quakers, these were not the primary motivations driving the creation of the Georgia colony.