Unit One: Early AmericaBeginnings-1800

Three Big Ideas1. The Sacred Earth and Power of Storytelling2. Life in the New World3. The Road to Independence

Idea One: The Sacred Earth and Power of Storytelling

Everything is sacredOral traditionSpirits are in all living things

Life Cycle: Respect for1. 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. SongsNative Americans did not believe people could own landNative 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 battledEuropeans had superior weapons so they wonBecause of war and disease few Native Americans lived past the 1600s

Idea 2: Life in the New World

Puritans:Puritans influenced literature1620s: Puritans established communitiesPuritans left England because of corruption in Church of EnglandPuritans were plain in dress and simple in lifestyle/beliefsTheir belief was God sent them to AmericaPuritan writing was straightforward and focused on faith

Idea 2: Life in the New World

Slavery:The first slaves were brought to America in 1619The 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 lifeThe ability to rise in the new world

Example: Ben Franklin1/17 children. Poor.Grew to be a businessman, politician, writer, scientist

Self-improvement in educationPuritans 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 RightsThe 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 LivesWomen 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