Unit 1 Talking Points:

Ch 1- New Beginnings:

1. Describe the range of cultures living in the New world at the dawn of the age of exploration.

2. What practices and developing technology changed the lives of Native Americas and allowed for the development of permanent settlements, division of labor, arts etc.?

3. How might the Christian Crusaders have led to the discovery of the New World?

4. That pieces of technology might have contributed to the discovery of the New World and how?

5. What was the significance of Portuguese exploration?

6. How did Spanish rivalry to the Portuguese lead to the discovery of America?

7. How was Columbus a huge failure?

8. What products native to the new world would revolutionize the international economy and European diet?

9. In the Columbian exchange, what did Europe introduce to the Americas and what was the impact?

10. Describe the impact of the Conquistadores both short term and lasting.

Assignment:

Create a chart of explorers, exchange of cultures and the impacts.

Chapter 2: the Planting of English America:

1. Compare and contrast the goals of the Spanish Colonies with those of the English.

2. How did the Powhatan Confederacy and its relations with the English foreshadow the future of Indian relations with settlers in the New World?

3. Describe the impact of European contact on the tribes of the eastern seaboard.

4. How did the rise of the tobacco crop impact the Atlantic economy?

5. When and how did slavery begin in the English colonies?

6. How was representative government born in Virginia?

7. How did Maryland become a safe haven for Catholics?

8. Compare and contrast the rise of and important impact of Sugar with that of Tobacco.

9. Describe the settling of the Carolinas.

10. How were North Carolina and Rhode Island different and distinctive from other colonies?

11. How was Georgia founded and for what purpose?

Assignment:

Create a chart of the founding of the Colonies- Southern, Middle and Northern (Chapters 2-3)

Chapter 3: Northern Colonies

1. Trace the rise of the Puritans (include economic aspects)

2. How did the Puritans on the Mayflower establish a precedent for self government?

3. How was the provincial government of Massachusetts set up?

4. Describe the City Upon A Hill concept and it’s far reaching impact.

5. How might the Protestant Ethic lead to Capitalism, an important economic principle today?

6. Why was Rhode Island – commonly known as Rogues Island- established and how?

7. Describe the establishment of Connecticut and the earliest constitution.

8. How did New Hampshire and Maine join the New England colonies?

9. What was the impact of the population explosion and enclosure on the planting and settlement of English colonies? Why did it drop off after 1666?

10. Trace the rise and fall of the New England Confederation.

11. How did the King crack down on New England? (Esp. Mass)

12. How did New Amsterdam take hold when the Swedes were unable to establish a foothold in the New world? And how did the English push the Dutch out of North America?

13. Trace the rise of Pennsylvania and justify its reputation for tolerance.

14. Describe the common features of the middle colonies.

Assignment:

1. Chart the colonies- As a map!

Include:

When was each created?

By Whom?

How & Why?

Chapter 4: American Life in the 17^th Century

1. What was life expectancy in Virginia or Maryland and why?

2. Compare this with life expectancy in New England and justify the difference if any.

3. What were the causes and effects of Bacon’s Rebellion?

4. How and why did slavery expand in Virginia and the English colonies?

5. What effects did the introduction of Africans have on the early American culture?

6. Describe the typical life of a New England family. Compare and contrast this with that of a typical southern family.

7. Describe life in New England towns, including system of local governments and attitudes toward women and children, etc.

8. Describe the Salem Witch Hunt of 1692 and how it reflected class division in New England.

9. Trace the economic development of New England. What geographic constraints helped to establish its style of commerce?

Assignments:

1. Chart the development and impact of slavery. Include a timeline.

2. Create a chart comparing and contrasting the way of life, economy and commerce of New England colonies with those of the south in the 17^th century.