Into the Unknown: The Risks and Benefits of Coming to America

Crossing to America from Europe: Why Cross at all? for adventure – to see the “New World” or the “savage” Indians for economic opportunity to find resources and make money for “free” land to set up new farms for religious freedom and to spread Christianity

Crossing to America from Europe: Why Cross at all? to expand and defend the land of the “mother country” for political freedom avoid European governments and laws get out of jail participate in new colonial legislatures gain power to vote

Crossing to America from Europe: It was dangerous Crossing the Atlantic could take 6-12 weeks But…you might be on the ship weeks in advance and not get off the ship for weeks after arriving Pirates and enemy ships might attack there was a big chance of dying in the process…

Crossing to America from Europe: Onboard issues- Navigational Issues quality of the ship (age, construction, etc.) proper equipment (compass, astrolabe, ropes, sails, etc.) competence of the sailors and masters

Crossing to America from Europe: Onboard issues - Food and Water having enough spoiled v. fresh

Crossing to America from Europe: Onboard issues-Crowded Conditions length of time at sea no private life tension-filled social life ripe for diseases

Crossing to America from Europe: Weather Storms (hurricane season in summer and fall) High winds might blow ships off course No winds might stall the ships

Settling in America: Geography Land features woods, mountains, rivers, streams, waterfalls, etc. Weather storms and harsh climates (too hot, too cold, too dry or too wet)

Settling in America: Settlement Issues Living Conditions crowded villages, little to no privacy physically exhausting work to build homes physically exhausting work to build farms enough supplies, food, and water? ripe for diseases Government & Rules who is in charge? are the rules fair?

Settling in America: Native Americans will there be conflict or cooperation? will they share resources such as food, water, and information? will they be good trade partners?

Into the Unknown: The Risks and Benefits of Coming to America