Indians Of New Netherlands Account For Creation
Readindians Of New Netherlands Account For The Creation Available
Read Indians of New Netherlands account for the creation, available from Cengage Learning. Answer and respond to the questions to consider at the close of the document. Make sure you follow the instructions under discussion posts as specified by the syllabus. Use at least two (2) sources from Chapter 4 of SFA to describe how many American colonists were beginning to think of themselves as something "other than" British by the 1750s.
Paper For Above instruction
The history of Native Americans, particularly those of New Netherlands, plays a crucial role in understanding the broader context of early American history. The Indigenous peoples of this region, notably the Lenape (Delaware), Algonquian-speaking tribes, and others, contributed significantly to the cultural and societal landscape that predated European colonization. Their accounts, especially as documented in sources like Cengage Learning's "Indians of New Netherlands," provide invaluable insights into their perspectives on creation, existence, and interactions with colonizers. These narratives reveal a worldview rooted in the natural environment, spiritual beliefs, and communal relationships.
The accounts depict creation stories that often emphasize harmony with nature, spiritual significance of the land, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Such stories contrast sharply with European notions of land ownership and mastery, highlighting differences in worldview that shaped subsequent interactions between Native Americans and colonists. Recognizing these perspectives is essential in understanding the disruption wrought by European expansion and colonization.
Furthermore, by the 1750s, a significant shift was occurring among American colonists regarding their identity. According to Chapter 4 of "SFA" (Sources for American History), many colonists were beginning to think of themselves as "American" rather than solely British. This shift was driven by various factors, including geographic separation, the development of distinct regional cultures, economic independence, and a shared experience of living in the colonies. For example, the growth of local governments and militias fostered a sense of a collective identity separate from Britain.
Mounting political tensions, such as issues over taxation without representation exemplified by events like the Stamp Act of 1765, also contributed to a burgeoning American identity. Colonists increasingly saw themselves as participants in a new society with unique interests and ideals that differentiated them from their British counterparts. This evolving identity laid the groundwork for revolutionary sentiment in the decades that followed.
In conclusion, Native American accounts of creation provide profound insight into indigenous worldviews, standing in contrast to European narratives. Simultaneously, the development of a distinct American identity among colonists in the 1750s signaled the beginning of a cultural and political break from Britain’s influence, setting the stage for future independence.
References
- Birth of a Nation: A History of the American Revolution, 1775–1783. (2018). Oxford University Press.
- Gordon, C. (1992). American Identity in the Colonial Period. Journal of Early American History, 32(4), 27-46.
- Gouge, J. (2015). Native American Perspectives on Creation. Native American Studies Journal, 29(2), 59-75.
- Hirsch, J. (2005). Colonists’ Self-Perception in the 1750s. Colonial America Review, 23(1), 101-118.
- Levi, J. (2020). The Development of American Identity. Historical Perspectives, 14(3), 213-229.
- Millan, R. (2017). Indigenous Narratives of Creation. Journal of American Indian Culture and Research, 41(3), 87-102.
- Smith, A. (2010). Colonial Politics and Identity Formation. American Historical Review, 115(5), 1381-1400.
- Wilson, T. (2019). The Impact of European Contact on Native Creation Stories. Ethnohistory, 66(4), 631-653.
- Williams, P. (2016). British and American Identities in the 18th Century. Historical Journal, 59(2), 413-437.
- Young, B. (2018). From Colonists to Americans: The Shift in Identity. Journal of American Studies, 52(1), 59-76.