Alien Encounters—Europe in the Americas Chapter 1 Alien Encounters—Europe in 
the Americas

Columbus Why such a big deal? He wasn’t the first! Why did he want to go to Asia? 
Spain’s American Empire: how did 
Spain quickly gain dominance in North 
and South America? “Immense land brought out the best 
and worst in human beings.”

Indians and Europeans “One of the most flagrant examples of 
unprovoked aggression” EXAMPLES? How did cultural values play a large role 
in the MISUNDERSTANDINGS that 
occurred? Religion, treatment of nature, warfare, 
concept of land ownership, monogamy 
vs. polygamy, challenge to European 
Christian beliefs

Disease and Population Losses "It was the general rule among the Spaniards to be 
cruel; not just cruel, but extraordinarily cruel so that 
harsh and bitter treatment would prevent Indians from 
daring to think of themselves as human beings or 
having a minute to think at all. So they would cut an 
Indian's hands and leave them dangling by a shred of 
skin and they would send him on saying "Go now, 
spread the news to your chiefs." They would test their 
swords and their manly strength on captured Indians 
and place bets on the slicing off of heads or the cutting 
of bodies in half with one blow." --Bartolome de las 
Casas How many total lost? Europeans NEEDED Indians

Spain’s European Rivals Dutch, English and French: 
Cartier English and French delay: 
Spain's internal tranquility vs. 
English/French unrest What led to Spain’s decline?

English Beginnings Early troubles? Role of Armada? Settlement of Virginia: James I 
granted a charter, proved motivation of 
King and Company! Jamestown: a DISASTER! Why? (at 
least 3 reasons) tobacco, wilderness and 
"gentlemen," skills. More than 50% die 
in first winter

Puritans and Plymouth Colony Why make the dangerous trip? Role of the Mayflower Compact: 
society based on set of rules 
chosen by members Winthrop and Massachusetts Bay 
Colony: "Citty Upon a Hill" Archbishop Laud's further persecution 
pushes 10,000 here by 1640 (Boston 
founded) Role of Religion in Puritan Society

Two Troublemakers Roger Williams: "Forced religion 
stinks in God's nostrils." Anne Hutchinson: felt Puritan view 
was flawed, banished to RI Roger_Williams.asf Anne_Hutchinson.asf I knew you were trouble when you walked in

Other New England Colonies Maine and New Hampshire Hartford founded 1636, Thomas 
Hooker's role French and Dutch Settlements: de 
Champlain and Quebec, Dutch in 
West Indies and New Netherlands

Maryland and the Carolinas How were settlers after 1630 like 
athletes after Roger Bannister broke the 
4 minute mile? conditions in Europe encouraged 
thousands to migrate Realities of life in America limited 
freedom of actions and profits Examples: Maryland, Carolina (split in 
1712 into North and South)

The Middle Colonies New York, New Jersey William Penn and Quakers found 
Pennsylvania What did Quakers stand for? "you can talk to your maker," 
"Holy Experiment," fair treatment of 
Indians, colony prospered and grew

Indians and Europeans as “Americanizers” “Christians in this Land have become 
too like unto the Indians.” --Increase 
Mather Agree/disagree? Why? Give examples of survival skills absorbed 
by both sides Colonists: what to eat, how to catch/grow it, 
what to wear, corn, birchbark canoe Indians: metal, guns, clothing, ornaments, 
alcohol Both groups profited from fur trade: Indians 
more efficient hunters, Colonists wealthy