1. Year 9 History Exploring America
29 September, 2015
Learning Gain: All learners will explore voyages to America and the legacy of colonisation in that area.
Today we will:
Locate areas where Britain colonised America
Research the colonisation of New England
Discover the motives behind British colonies in America
Draw conclusions about British colonies in America
Study the importance of America as a British colony

2. Year 9 History Exploring America
Starter
Plymouth Rock
What is the connection between these two images? Why is this rock important in American and British history?

3. Write down anything in GREEN.
Year 9 History Exploring America
Write down anything in GREEN.
The first English colonists arrived in America in They settled in what is now Virginia, named after Queen Elizabeth’s reputation as the Virgin Queen.
Although countries like Holland sent explorers to America, Britain made the biggest impact, forcing the Dutch out.
The pilgrim and Puritan settlement, started in 1620, is often remembered as the most famous British colony, beginning with the landing at Plymouth Rock.
The first colonies had different goals: in Jamestown, Virginia, gold merchants hoped to find gold and get rich, whereas at Plymouth, the Puritans and pilgrims were trying to build a new “perfect” society.
The idea of a perfect society was described as a “city upon a hill” by a British reverend in a famous sermon.

4. Year 9 History Exploring America
8:00 – 9:55
In the 1600s, which of the following would British Puritans have considered to be qualities of a “perfect” society?
Religion?
Peace or conflict?
Freedom or slavery?
Wealth or poverty?

5. Year 9 History Exploring America
Group Task
Religion?
In groups of 4 or 5, you will research about the experience of British colonists in America. You will try to determine if the early English colonies in America truly met the criteria of being a “City on a Hill.”
Each group will report their findings and then the class will use the information to answer this question:
Peace or conflict?
Freedom or slavery?
Were the early English colonies in America a “City on a Hill”? Why or why not?
Wealth or poverty?

6. Year 9 History Exploring America
Plenary
Summarise how life changed for Native Americans as Britain colonised America.