Bell Ringer – 9/10/07 1. Complete the rhyme: In 1492 Columbus _________ ___ __________ _______. 2. What ethnic group(s) occupied the North American continent before Christopher Columbus and Europeans explored America? 3. Why were sailors excited to find the “New World” (America)?

Christopher Columbus ► Though the Vikings or Norse people documented North America first, it is Columbus’ discovery that led to vast European exploration of America. ► He was born in Italy in 1451 during late August or early October ► He was known to be an adventurous child and became an outstanding navigator

Why the Journey across the Atlantic? ► Some believed the Earth was flat, but Columbus wanted to prove it was round ► He was hoping to find Asia (Europeans wanted silk, spices, and opiates) but instead found America ► After nearly 10 years of campaigning, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain agreed to fund the trip

The Ships ► Three Ships: Nina, Pinta, & Santa Maria ► The first journey took 5 weeks and it is believed that land was cited on Oct. 12, 1492 ► Columbus and his crew first landed in the Bahamas and explored Cuba before heading back to Spain ► This area became known as the “West Indies” because Columbus at first thought he was in the “East Indies”

His First Account ► Columbus insisted to the royal court in Spain that he had reached Asia (it was Cuba) and an island off the coast of China (Hispaniola). ► His descriptions were part fact, part fiction: “Hispaniola is a miracle. Mountains and hills, plains and pastures, are both fertile and beautiful...the harbors are unbelievably good and there are many wide rivers of which the majority contain gold...There are many spices, and great mines of gold and other metals.”

His Legacy ► Columbus always insisted that he found Asian islands, not a new continent ► Explorer Amerigo Vespucci traveled to America between and documented to the world in his journals that it was a “New Continent”. It was named America after Amerigo ► When Columbus died in 1507 his body underwent excarnation - the flesh was removed so that only his bones remained. He was burried in Spain but his body was moved to Hispaniola in excarnation

Bell Ringer – 9/14/07 ► Why is Christopher Columbus honored as the founder of America? ► Do agree that he should be honored? Why or why not? ► How did Columbus describe the Bahamas when he returned to Spain?

The Sea Voyage – C. Columbus They thought the water would boil and burn their ships They believed in sea monsters They would run out of food Many shipmen died of diseases or starvation Between 1492 and 1502 Columbus made four voyages

Jamestown, Virginia ► The first permanent English settlement ► Named after King James of England ► 100 men arrived in 1607 Disease and starvation killed many people the first year

Jamestown People ► John Smith – elected as president ► Powhatan – friendly American Indian tribe that helped the English learn how to fish and to grown corn (new crop to the English) ► Pocahontas – 12 y.o. daughter of Powhatan chief. Threw herself over John Smith’s body when he was captured. Converted to Christianity and married colonist John Rolfe.

Tobacco ► The Spanish brought it to Europe from America in the 1500s and pipe-smoking quickly became popular in Europe ► Indentured Servants – brought settlers to Jamestown to work the tobacco fields. They earned a free trip to America and had to work to pay back the cost. ► In 1622 Indians attacked Jamestown and killed 350 people. They were angry that tobacco fields were taking up their lands.

Bell Ringer – 9/17 ► Explain who came to Jamestown in 1607 ► What was the relationship like between the English of Jamestown and the Powhatan Indians? ► Why was tobacco a “cash crop”?

The Pilgrims – left England for religious Freedom ► Pilgrims were “Purists” – they didn’t like elaborate churches and clothes. Wanted purity ► Took the Mayflower in 1620 to Plymouth, Massachusetts ► Mayflower Compact – document to maintain order. Gave male church members control of the colony ► Squanto – Indian who spoke English and helped the Pilgrims

Journal: Study this picture. Descibe what life would be like for you if you were a Pilgrim in Plymouth