Why Study Colonial America

People live in the present and only plan and worry about the future, but history allows us the opportunity to look into our past. Wether it be natural, political, social, cultural, or economic history we are all tied together through past struggles and experiences. Knowledge of historical fact is a major component in creating a progressive society. This knowledge helps shape our leaders, industry, legislation, and even thoughts. So why study Colonial America? Studying Colonial America is important for many reasons. One reason is that it helps us as Americans and even foreigners understand each other and the society we live in. It helps us understand the importance the past has on our lives, and helps us create some sense of national identity. Studying Colonial America helps us gain access to the human experience in the early years of our country.

Link to graphic http://totallyhistory.com/us-history/

Why Europeans Came to the New World

The arrival of Spanish Conquistadors marked the beginning of colonization in North America. Spanish interest was set on acquiring new wealth. However, Spain was not the only country who had its eye set on the "New World." A rising class of merchants in England began to seek out new trade. Some saw the New World as an opportunity to start over. Difficult economic situations, monarchy governance, and religious strife caused many to view these unknown lands as a place where a better functioning society could be established. Others like the Irish, Italians, and Germans fled to America to escape poverty. By the 1600's people from all over Europe began to travel to the New World, including the Dutch and French. These new waves of  people traveling across the Atlantic would change the course of history forever.

Link to graphic http://theageofdiscoverykbsp14.weebly.com/european-colonization-timeline.html

Links to articles on European exploration, colonization, and trade in North America http://www.elearnportal.com/courses/history/american-history/american-history-why-did-europeans-come-to-america

Food For Thought...

Was North America really a place of opportunity? What forms of oppression, opportunity, and liberty existed?

Did geography affect the development of North America?

If you were a European during the 16th and 17th centuries would you have migrated to Colonial America?

Great questions to really encourage thinking on Colonial America https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/resources/essential-questions-teaching-american-history