Unit One: Early America

Unit One: Early America Beginnings-1800

Three Big Ideas • 1. The Sacred Earth and Power of Storytelling • 2. Life in the New World • 3. The Road to Independence

Idea One: The Sacred Earth and Power of Storytelling • Everything is sacred • Oral tradition • Spirits are in all living things • Life Cycle: Respect for 1. Animals 2. Plants 3. Forces of Nature

Idea One: The Sacred Earth and Power of Storytelling • Native Americans communicated with and praised spirits through 1. Dreams 2. Visions 3. Tales 4. Songs • Native Americans did not believe people could own land • Native Americans came to America 40,000 years ago with their own languages and cultures; each culture had their own stories and myths (Some still believed today)

Idea 2: Life in the New World • Europeans and Native Americans battled • Europeans had superior weapons so they won • Because of war and disease few Native Americans lived past the 1600s

Idea 2: Life in the New World Puritans: • Puritans influenced literature • 1620s: Puritans established communities • Puritans left England because of corruption in Church of England • Puritans were plain in dress and simple in lifestyle/beliefs • Their belief was God sent them to America • Puritan writing was straightforward and focused on faith

Idea 2: Life in the New World Slavery: • The first slaves were brought to America in 1619 • The long sea voyage the slaves took was called “Middle Passage” • Africans struggled to preserve parts of their heritage (usually without success)

Idea 3: The Road to Independence • Americans became used to managing their own affairs after leaving England • Growth in responsibility should lead to growth in political and economic rights • Led to Revolution: Break from Britain

Idea 3: The Road to Independence “Natural Aristocracy” • Colonists’ attitudes: practical, self-reliant, pioneer • Looking for a better life • The ability to rise in the new world • Example: Ben Franklin1/17 children. Poor. • Grew to be a businessman, politician, writer, scientist • Self-improvement in education • Puritans started public schools • They thought learning was a defense against evil. • Combining an enterprising spirit with education led to the natural aristocracy. • Term coined by Thomas Jefferson

Idea 3: The Road to Independence • “He is an American who, leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the mode of life he has embraced, the new government he obeys, and the new rank he holds.” (page 16)

Idea 3: The Road to Independence Political Rights • The Enlightenment: 1700s • Americans possess natural, basic rights that can’t be taken away (inalienable) • Applied to social, economic, and political relationships • RIGHT TO BE FREE • Independent government was necessary

Idea 3: The Road to Independence Women’s Lives • Women had power only in the home: no authority in legal rights • Many women worked outside the home anyway • Helped the revolution by boycotting British goods

Unit One: Early America