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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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…

5. 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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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?

11. 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?

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