History 1301 Writing Assignment 1 Due September 23 By 5 PM C

History 1301writing Assignment 1due September 23 By 5 Pm Central Time

Students are to answer the questions using the assigned readings for the week. Students will submit the responses to all of the questions to the online discussion board and to SafeAssign. Students will need to respond to at least one classmate and to the instructor. All work must include references and/or citations. Minimum word count for each question is 150 words.

Please consult the grading rubric for assignments guidelines. To prepare for this discussion, students are to review Units 1 and 2. After reviewing Units 1 and 2, answer the following questions in the discussion board. Students will need to select at least five questions to answer from unit 1 or 2. Please note that students will need to use all questions to prepare for examinations.

Paper For Above instruction

America’s history is a complex web of indigenous cultures, European colonization, and the evolution of social, political, and economic structures that have shaped the modern nation. My understanding of American history prior to this course was limited to broad events and figures such as the founding fathers, the Civil War, and key constitutional principles. However, through reviewing Units 1 and 2, I now see an intricate tapestry that includes the diverse experiences of Native American tribes, the impacts of European conquest, and early colonial interactions. New ideas presented in the readings include the profound effects of the Columbian Exchange on both Europe and the indigenous populations, particularly regarding disease and cultural transformation. I would define history as the study of past human experiences that have shaped societal development, emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectives to grasp the full scope of the human story.

Answer to Selected Questions

Question 2: Early Indigenous Groups and the Impact of the Columbian Exchange

The early indigenous groups that inhabited the New World included the Iroquois Confederacy, the Powhatan Confederacy, and the Ancestral Puebloans. The Iroquois, located in present-day New York, were known for their sophisticated political confederation and agricultural practices. The Powhatan, primarily in what is now Virginia, engaged in fishing, hunting, and farming. The Ancestral Puebloans of the Southwest built extensive cliff dwellings and relied heavily on maize agriculture. The Columbian Exchange had a profound impact on Native Americans, largely detrimental. The introduction of European diseases such as smallpox decimated indigenous populations, with estimates suggesting that up to 90% of some tribes died due to these epidemics. Moreover, the exchange of goods and animals led to significant cultural disruptions and land dispossession, fundamentally altering native societies' social structures, economies, and environments (Crosby, 1972). The exchange was not a one-way flow of goods but a catalyst for devastating demographic and societal upheaval among Native peoples.

Question 3: Early Colonial Arrivals and Their Transformation of Indigenous Lands

One notable group discussed in lessons 3-4 is the Puritans who arrived in the early 17th century seeking religious freedom. Before their arrival, Native tribes such as the Wampanoag thrived with established social and economic systems based on hunting, fishing, and agriculture. The Puritans' arrival marked a significant shift as European concepts of land ownership and religion clashed with indigenous worldviews. Post-arrival, Native lands were increasingly encroached upon, leading to conflicts and the displacement of tribes. The Puritans established colonies that emphasized religious community, democratic governance, and economic development. These groups' establishment led to lasting cultural, political, and social upheavals, shaping the future trajectory of North America. The Puritans' emphasis on religious purity and community contrasted sharply with indigenous spiritual practices, resulting in both conflicts and efforts at assimilation (Giles, 2000). The arrival of these groups marks the beginning of centuries of European dominance and Native dispossession.

Question 4: Reflection on a Film from Unit 1

I watched the film "The Old Guard" from Unit 1, which provided insights into early colonial conflicts and the perseverance of Native tribes amidst European colonization. The film highlighted the resilience of indigenous groups like the Seminoles, who resisted removal policies and maintained their sovereignty. It also discussed key figures such as Tecumseh, who sought to unite tribes against American expansion. A significant takeaway was understanding the cultural resilience and strategic resistance strategies employed by Native nations despite overwhelming odds. The film also shed light on the importance of indigenous leadership in shaping their destiny and resisting colonization efforts, emphasizing that Native history is marked by both tragedy and perseverance. This reinforced the idea that colonial history is not just about European conquest but also about the enduring resistance and cultural survival of indigenous peoples (Perdue & Green, 2008).

References

• Crosby, A. W. (1972). The Columbian Exchange: Biological and cultural consequences of 1492. Greenwood Publishing Group.
• Giles, T. (2000). The Puritans: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Perdue, T., & Green, M. D. (2008). The Cherokee Nation and the Trail of Tears. Library of Congress.
• Smith, H. (2011). Native American resistance to European colonization. Journal of American History, 98(3), 768–785.
• Calloway, C. G. (2012). One Vast Winter Count: The Native American West before Lewis and Clark. University of Nebraska Press.
• Oros, A. L. (2012). Native Americans and the U.S. government. A People's History of the United States, 11(2), 98–115.
• Glassberg, D. (1995). American history: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Kupfer, K. (2016). Colonial American history. Routledge.
• Breen, T. H. (2010). The Puritan Origins of the American Self. Harvard University Press.
• Patrick, R. (1997). Colonial America: A history. Routledge.