11.1 - Colonial Foundations
From EngageNY
European colonization in North America prompted cultural contact and exchange between diverse peoples; cultural differences and misunderstandings at times led to conflict. A variety of factors contributed to the development of regional differences, including social and racial hierarchies, in colonial America.11.1a Contact between Native American groups and Europeans occurred through cultural exchanges, resistance efforts, and conflict.
- Students will trace European contact with Native Americans, including the Dutch, the English, the French and the Spanish.
- Students will examine the impacts of European colonization on Native Americans, who eventually lost much of their land and experienced a drastic decline in population through diseases and armed conflict.
- Students will examine the impacts of geographic factors on patterns of settlement and the development of colonial economic systems.
- Students will examine the factors influencing variations in colonial social structures and labor systems.
- Students will analyze slavery as a deeply established component of the colonial economic system and social structure, indentured servitude vs. slavery, the increased concentration of slaves in the South, and the development of slavery as a racial institution.
- Students will examine colonial political institutions to determine how they were influenced by Enlightenment ideas, British traditions such as the Magna Carta, and the colonial experience.
- Students will examine colonial democratic principles by studying documents such as the Mayflower Compact and the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649, colonial governmental structures such as New England town meetings and the Virginia House of Burgesses, and the practice of the right of petition in New Netherland.
Supporting Materials
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From Columbus to colonial America, 1492 to 1763Traces the history of America from Columbus' discovery in 1492 to the Colonial Period and discusses the leading citizens of the time periods, the Puritans, the Quakers, and the Frontier. Provides information about the political and economic growth, increased population, cultural and religious... |
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High Treason!Canada’s westward expansion was very different than that of the United States. In the U.S., conflict in the westward movement was between the White Man and the Native Indian, and a common language united U.S. settlers. Language, however, has divided Canada ever since General Wolfe united the... |
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Puerto RicoIn 1493 Christoper Columbus discovered the eastern-most island of the Great Antilles. About 50 years later, Puerto Rico began to really blossom - through you! Which roles will you play in the new world: Prospector? Governor? Settler? Trader? |
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The American Revolution and the young Republic, 1763 to 1816Charts the history of the United States between 1763 and 1816, detailing the major events that guided the nation's development during this time. Spotlights primary source documents from the period and the purpose for which they were written. Includes a glossary and bibliography. |
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