University of Central Florida (UCF) AMH2010 U.S. History: 1492-1877 Midterm Practice Exam

The term "Patroonships" specifically refers to large landholdings established by wealthy Dutch settlers along the Hudson River during the period of New Netherland. These patroonships were part of a feudal-like system in which the patroon, or landowner, was granted significant autonomy over the land and the settlers living there, often in exchange for bringing in new colonists. This system was a key feature of the Dutch colonial economy and contributed to the agricultural development of the region.

While "Plantations" generally refers to large agricultural estates, especially in the Southern colonies, and "Manors" can describe large estates, they do not specifically capture the unique system associated with the Dutch in this context. "Colonies" is a broader term that encompasses areas settled by Europeans but does not specify the nature of land ownership or organization like "Patroonships" does. Thus, the specificity of "Patroonships" in relation to Dutch land holdings on the Hudson River makes it the correct choice for this question.