Introduction to 8th Grade U.S. History

Native Americans

• By 1400, between 1 and 2 million Native Americans lived north of Mexico

• Culturally, Practically, and Spiritually Diverse– Region– Language– Way of Life– Religion

• Disease killed large populations of Native Americans

How did geography influence the culture of each tribe?

European Exploration

• Routes to China/East– Overland

• Costly and long– Around Africa

• Efficient, but still long – Possible route across Atlantic

• Leads to interaction with Americas– Trade in goods, ideas, and DISEASES– Important themes: Gold, Slaves, land, and Missionaries

• Eventual forceful conquest of Americas– Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands (short-lived)

establish colonies

Columbus and his Legacy

• Christopher Columbus was convinced that the shortest route to Asia lay to the west of Europe.– In 1492, he sailed the ocean blue!

• The Columbian Exchange– Brought new crops like potatoes and corn to

Europe– Brought disease, technology, and horses to North

America

European claims in North America

• North and South America were soon divided between various competing European powers

• Interactive Map

Forms of Imperialism

• Colony– A territory that an imperialist nation rules directly

• Protectorate– A territory that has its own government, but that

government take orders from an imperialist nation• Sphere of Influence– A territory in which an imperialist nation has

exclusive investment or trading rights

Early English Settlement

• Jamestown (founded 1607)– Unprepared for life in Americas• Came to make money, not survive

– Semi-friendly relationship with local Natives• Some trade for food occurred

– Incredibly high death rate• Starvation and disease/sickness

Settling Jamestown

Pocahontas Saves John Smith

English Colonies

• By 1733 the 13 colonies we know were formed– They were grouped into three regions

• They were formed for various reasons– Business profit, religious freedom, refuge from debt

and oppression• They were self-governing but supported by the

British government (Salutary Neglect)– Colonists were English citizens who expected the

same rights as citizens living in England