Focus: Historical Context (intro and documents), Synthesis

Day 1: Historical Context-Intro, Synthesis Take out a piece of paper. 1. Write down and break down the prompt with your group. 2. Brainstorm with your group. Write this down. “Geography was the primary factor in shaping the development of the British colonies in North America.” Support, refute or modify this statement.

You have 15 minutes to write 4. An introduction 5. 3 Sentence synthesis

Review Example 1 Prompt: “Geography was the primary factor in shaping the development of the British colonies in North America.” Support, refute or modify this statement. In the 1600s, many Europeans sought opportunity and freedom in the New World. They created diverse colonies, especially comparing the South and the North. Politically, religion shaped politics. Geography impacted the colonial economy.

Review Example 2 Prompt: “Geography was the primary factor in shaping the development of the British colonies in North America.” Support, refute or modify this statement. In the 1600s, many Europeans sought opportunity and freedom in the New World. The settlers of the British colonies spread from Pennsylvania to the Carolinas. Each would develop unique societies based on numerous factors. The fertility of the soil and the resources available determined the economic activities in different regions in America. Colonial politics, however were influenced primarily by social standing and religion. Thus, British colonial geography had an effect on economics, while politics were influenced by religion and social hierarchy.

Synthesis Therefore, (rewrite MT and major conclusions if time)….. Similar to the 1600s, geography helped shape the economy of the Hawaiian Islands in the 1800s. As westward expansion extended beyond the Pacific Coast, explorers learned that tropical weather was perfect for growing sugar cane. This profitable cash crop drew white American settlement to this eventual state. The desire to spread religion also brought missionaries to Hawaii. Thus, both religion and cash crops were influential in making Hawaii a territory and the fiftieth state.

Day 2: Context-Documents and transitions.