Overview of Pre-Colonial US History “Those who cannot remember history are condemned to repeat it.” George Santayana Main Topic - History in a Nutshell In class activities - Students will listen to presentation, take notes on information presented and discuss topics when prompted Homework - Students should review and organize notes from the presentation Materials needed for class Notes Pen/pencil SS folder

Pre Revolution U.S. History Quick Overview of Chapters 1-5 Unit 1: Three Worlds Meet (Ch. 1-2) Unit 2: The English Colonies (Ch. 3-5)

Chapter 1: The World Before 1500 In the Americas there were 3 types of societies Sedentary societies like the Aztecs, Maya and Inca built permanent settlements Semi-sedentary societies such as natives in the Amazon area, and the Southwest and Eastern North American natives built small towns, but moved every few years to follow migratory animals or find new farm lands Non-sedentary natives were nomadic in continual search for game and edible plants Had extensive contact with neighbors, no significant contact with Europe pre 1400’s

Chapter 1: The World Before 1500 Africa divided into 3 main areas North – Sahara Desert – dry, hot, little vegetation; trade with Europe, Population mostly Muslim South – savanna – grassland, scattered trees, thorny brush, abundant wildlife Central/Western – transitional zone, dense rainforests, broad rivers South and Central Africa relatively isolated from Europe Western Africa also traded with Europe, population mostly Muslim Slave trade common in Africa pre 1500’s Symbolized strength of kingdom Added strong men/workers to kingdom Weakened enemy with their loss

Chapter 1: The World Before 1500 European kingdoms grew; competed for power Renaissance – cultural revival of arts, literature and science Reformation – division of the Christian religion into Catholics and Protestants New trade routes and exotic foreign goods fueled exploration and discovery of the American continents

Chapter 2: European Exploration of the Americas The Portuguese explored a route to the east around the tip of Africa The Spanish sought a route to the east via the west The newly discovered continents increase the competition among the major European powers for land and wealth Along with Spain and Portugal other European nations claim land and form colonies including: English Dutch French

Chapter 2: European Exploration of the Americas Treatment of Natives Spaniards enslaved natives, ruled harshly, imposed Catholic religion Columbian exchange Negative effects – new diseases introduced Positive effects – new foods introduced Beginnings of Slavery Not a new institution; practiced in Africa and Southern Europe Brought to Americas for sugar production

Chapter 3 - The English Establish 13 Colonies English attempted new type of colony Rather than conquer and enslave – British sent families to settle and expand Virginia established as the first royal colony – ruled by king’s appointed officials New colonies formed by various groups seeking their own type of religious freedom Southern colonies allowed for all religions; many were proprietary colonies (owned by private companies) and hoped to make profit from settlers

Chapter 3 - The English Establish 13 Colonies Each colony developed a form of representative government which respected English law Colonies saw themselves as separate and autonomous from one another and often fought amongst themselves.

Chapter 4 – The Colonies Develop Four distinct regions of 13 colonies with distinct personalities New England (Northeast) Most populous region Farming/Lumber/Fishing/Mercantilism (Imports & Exports) Puritan work ethic Southern Colonies Plantations/slavery dominate the economy Year round growing season – climate for cash crops Rural population, few towns

Chapter 4 – The Colonies Develop Four distinct regions of 13 colonies with distinct personalities cont. The Middle Colonies Dominated by small farms and cities Diverse population of many European ethnicities and religions as well as Africans The Back Country Appalachian Mountains area Many Scots-Irish settle and begin clan claims Traditions Scots-Irish music develops into bluegrass Infringement on Native American land brings conflict prompting the French and Indian War

Chapter 5: Beginnings of an American Identity Early American culture was a blend of European style and new world adaptations Ideas of religious freedom shift to other freedoms and questions the current order of government (monarchy) No aristocracy in colonies; increased social mobility; land=wealth

Chapter 5: Beginnings of an American Identity Roots of American Democracy Magna Carta – limited power of monarchy; not above the law Introduced idea of representatives esp. in matters of taxation; trial by jury English Bill of Rights – restored the British citizens rights Colonists claim English rights; British government continues to treat them as second- class citizens at best. Freedom of the Press – established in the Zenger trial as an important American right American colonists became accustomed to self-rule

Chapter 5: Beginnings of an American Identity French and Indian War creates tension between Britain and the Colonies War between British and French over expansion into interior (Native tribes chose sides) Costly war led to Proclamation of 1763 – no colonial expansion beyond Appalachian Mts. Colonists angered and unified after fighting in war Stage is set for final conflict between Britain and the Colonies