Overview

Learning Goals

I can

assess the diverseness of the colonies in the New World;
compare and contrast the government structures in the New World;
analyze the differences in the political organizations of the colonies in the New World; and
evaluate the long term effects of European colonization in the New World.
utilize maps to explain the cultural and political characteristics of the territories in the New World and through European exploration.

Nevada Academic Content Standards

SS.6-8.EWC.25

SS.6-8.EUSH.12

SS.6-8.EUSH.15

SS.6-8.EUSH.31

SS.6-8.EUSH.35

Introduction

About

The desire for passage routes to China and India sparked European sea exploration. Europeans encountered North and South American native people living in these areas. After the initial exposure to North and South America, Great Britain, France, and Spain decided to establish colonies and explore the areas. This led to the transfer of technology, religion, and ideas from Europe to the Americas. In addition to the monarchies, several individual groups decided to establish settlements. There were profound differences between New England, New France, and New Spain. The Spanish explored for "God, Gold, and Glory." New Spain was directly tired to the King and Queen and all proceeds and profits went back to the monarchy in Spain.

Geography, religion, and ethnicity played a major role in the establishment of colonies in early America. The customs and cultures that were established, became unique to each colonial region, economy, society, and government. Over time, the colonies developed into unique regions, each with distinctive characteristics. Yet, the early colonists in America all had shared the commonality of a tough, rugged individualism characteristic of an independent nature and a desire for self-government. Source: ABC-Clio

Supporting Question

How did European groups influence the development of the American colonies?

Lesson Vocabulary

Context Clues

Teaching the meaning of vocabulary words prior to reading assists you to understand the lesson's content in a much easier way. Complete the following activities with a shortlist of vocabulary words.

If you are unable to view the slideshow above, copy and paste the URL into your browser:http://bit.ly/2SEGIQ4

When finished with the content in this lesson, select the Next button at the bottom of this page to move on.