Unit 1: Early Traditions & Puritanism 1600s-1800s Ms. Mitchell Sophomore CP

Unit Questions Who Owns the Land? Who Owns the Land? –Why does one group of people have more rights to land than another? Where does a sense of entitlement come from? –Is the “they were here first” argument enough to merit ownership indefinitely? What Makes an Explorer? What Makes an Explorer? –What internal and external motivations cause people to seek out the unknown? –What are the character traits of a good explorer? Are modern day explorers similar to early explorers? Are People Basically Good? Are People Basically Good? –Are people in a constant struggle not to be bad? Or are we naturally good and capable of being better? –Which group is more likely to feel the same as you—the Puritans or settlers who promoted the powers of reason? Who Has the Right to Rule? Who Has the Right to Rule? –What is the difference between a system based on a “God given right to rule” and democracy? –Is one system superior to another in reflecting the will and desires of the governed?

A very, very, very simplified history… Settlers come to North America seeking religious freedom/freedom from persecution. (1600s) Settlers come to North America seeking religious freedom/freedom from persecution. (1600s) Establish first permanent colony at Jamestown, VA. Other colonies established up the East Coast. Establish first permanent colony at Jamestown, VA. Other colonies established up the East Coast. Difficulty, death, disease, violence Difficulty, death, disease, violence Settlers still think of themselves as “British” Settlers still think of themselves as “British” Settlers become more accustomed to independence and self-rule Settlers become more accustomed to independence and self-rule Great Britain sees them as a colony, imposes rules and taxes on them, exploits the colony for the good of the Motherland Great Britain sees them as a colony, imposes rules and taxes on them, exploits the colony for the good of the Motherland Colonists begin to desire independence from Great Britain  Revolutionary War (1776) Colonists begin to desire independence from Great Britain  Revolutionary War (1776)

Background, History and Cultural Influences Early American writing gives us a snapshot of America from the first white settlers who faced hardships and challenges, to the start of the American Revolution and the true birth of the nation. Early American writing gives us a snapshot of America from the first white settlers who faced hardships and challenges, to the start of the American Revolution and the true birth of the nation.

Background, History and Cultural Influences Hypothesize: What was life like in the “New World?” Hypothesize: What was life like in the “New World?” Writing detailed the daily life and the challenges faced. Writing detailed the daily life and the challenges faced. Diaries, journals, letters, reports Diaries, journals, letters, reports Heavily non-fiction, historical Heavily non-fiction, historical Detailed interactions with Native Americans Detailed interactions with Native Americans

The Native Americans When Columbus landed here there were already over 300 Native American cultures in North America. When Columbus landed here there were already over 300 Native American cultures in North America. Almost universally, history was passed down orally rather than through writing. Almost universally, history was passed down orally rather than through writing. Creation stories, legendary histories, fairy tales, lyrics, chants, children’s songs, healing songs and dream visions. Creation stories, legendary histories, fairy tales, lyrics, chants, children’s songs, healing songs and dream visions. Most of it has been lost. Most of it has been lost.

The Puritans Puritans made up the majority of early settlers in the 1600s Puritans made up the majority of early settlers in the 1600s Seeking religious freedom, wanted to “purify” the Church of England and return to simpler ways of worship. Seeking religious freedom, wanted to “purify” the Church of England and return to simpler ways of worship. Many settled in the New England area—effects still felt today. (Strict, intolerant, humans are sinful, etc.) Many settled in the New England area—effects still felt today. (Strict, intolerant, humans are sinful, etc.)

Key Idea: The Enlightenment 1700s, Europe: Burst of intellectual energy, a movement which encouraged people to question the preconceived notions that there was a God-given right to rule. 1700s, Europe: Burst of intellectual energy, a movement which encouraged people to question the preconceived notions that there was a God-given right to rule. Led to ideas of Democracy versus Theocracy Led to ideas of Democracy versus Theocracy

Key Idea: The Great Awakening Focus on religion and the idea that many were straying from it. Focus on religion and the idea that many were straying from it. Caused a recommitment to religion for many. Caused a recommitment to religion for many. Coupled with The Enlightenment, caused people to question authority. Coupled with The Enlightenment, caused people to question authority.

Why Not Have a Revolution? Nobody wakes up one day and says “Today looks like a good day for a revolution!” –the factors have to be right. Nobody wakes up one day and says “Today looks like a good day for a revolution!” –the factors have to be right. Eventually, after years of frustration and anger with the Motherland, colonist decide to fight for independence. Eventually, after years of frustration and anger with the Motherland, colonist decide to fight for independence. Writing and literature played a key role!!! Writing and literature played a key role!!!

Writing of the Revolution Pamphlets and Propaganda Pamphlets and Propaganda –Small books which spread political thoughts quickly and widely –Thomas Paine’s Common Sense Declaration of Independence Declaration of Independence –Idea of Natural Law—that people are born with natural rights that the government must protect Constitution (after the Revolution) Constitution (after the Revolution) –Washington thought it would only last 20 years max-- -still stands today!

Lasting Effects An American Work Ethic An American Work Ethic –Is work something we value? What benefit does work provide? Does hard work always lead directly to success? What other factors are involved? Government by the People Government by the People The Power of Political Writing The Power of Political Writing –What types of political writing are there? How can political writing instigate change?