Problem
I. By the time Europeans began colonizing the Americas, Native Americans had elements of advanced civilization. Give one example each of the following: (i) an example of advanced civilization in Native Americans, (ii) a similarity between Europeans and Native American societies, and (iii) a fundamental difference between European and Native American societies. How did these differences and similarities affect the relationship between these two groups?
FROM CHAPTER 1 - THE AMERICAS AND EUROPE: COLLISION OF CULTURES AND ESTABLISHMENT OF COLONIES TO 1650
II. Most of the motivations that different European countries had in colonizing the Americas came down to two major factors: economic and religious expansion. Discuss how these two factors specifically influenced the colonization efforts of Great Britain, Spain, France, and the Dutch. How did the lines between religion and economic expansion become blurred during this time?
III. The Great British settlements at Jamestown (Chesapeake Bay) and New England (Massachusetts Bay Colony) had very different visions of what America could be. What were the major differences in these two settlements, and how did they envision their future role in the Americas? (Hint: See Winthrop's writings in this week's readings.)
IV. What changes and advancements in European society "set the stage" for Columbus to take an expedition to the Americas? How would you characterize the impact and legacy of Columbus on American and European society?