Unit 2 - European Exploration and Settlement

SS8H1: Evaluate the impact of European exploration and settlement on American Indians in Georgia.

a. Describe the characteristics of American Indians living in Georgia at the time of European contact; to include culture, food, weapons/tools, and shelter.

• View the Prezi Presentation used in class on the American Indians and European exploration at this link.
• The American Indians living in Georgia at the time of European contact were known as Mississippians. Read more about them at this link.
• This is another link that will detail the housing, food, and weapons of the American Indians living in Georgia.
• To learn more about the Etowah Mound found near Cartersville, use this link.

b. Explain reasons for European exploration and settlement of North America, with emphasis on the interests of the Spanish and British in the Southeastern area.

• To read more about the Spanish exploration of the New World, click on this link.
• Click on this link to read a primary source letter of Christopher Columbus about his findings after his first voyage.
• Watch this Crash Course video that talks about the relationship between the Indians and the Spanish.
• Click here to watch a video on YouTube talking about the establishment of the first English colony of Jamestown.

c. Evaluate the impact of Spanish contact on American Indians, including the explorations of Hernando DeSoto and the establishment of Spanish missions along the barrier islands.

• To read more about the explorations of Hernando deSoto, click on this link.
• Read more about Hernando deSoto's time in Georgia in the bottom half of this article.
• Read primary source accounts from members of deSoto's expedition into the United States at this link.
• deSoto was not the first explorer to journey in North America. Read about those who came before him here.
• Read more about the Spanish missions established along the barrier islands using this link.
• The Europeans first encountered the Guale Indians along the coast of Georgia. Read about that encounter on this site.

SS8H2: Analyze the colonial period of Georgia’s history.

a. Explain the importance of the Charter of 1732, including the reasons for settlement (philanthropy, economics, and defense).

• Click on this link to read the full text of the Charter of 1732.
• Click on this link to read excerpts from the Charter of 1732, on the worksheet we completed in class.

b. Analyze the relationship between James Oglethorpe, Tomochichi, and Mary Musgrove in establishing the city of Savannah at Yamacraw Bluff.

• Click here to read the worksheets on the foundation of Savannah we completed as a DBQ in class.
• Click on this link to read about James Oglethorpe; the man who is responsible for founding the colony of Georgia.
• To read about Chief Tomochichi of the Yamacraw Indians and his relationship with James Oglethorpe, click on this link.
• Mary Musgrove play an important role in helping establish the city of Savannah. Read more about here here.
• Click here for the Historical Role Playing Activity sheets that we completed in class.

c. Evaluate the role of diverse groups (Jews, Salzburgers, Highland Scots, and Malcontents) in settling Georgia during the Trustee Period.

• To read about the Trustee Period of Georgia, click on this link.
• Click on this link to read about the arrival of the first Jewish immigrants to colonial Georgia.
• A group of Salzburgers landed in colonial Georgia during the Trustee Period. Read more about them here.
• To read about the Scottish Highlanders and see a short video on them, click on this link.
• To read more about the Malcontents who protested the Trustees in colonial Georgia, click on this link.

d. Explain the transition of Georgia into a royal colony with regard to land ownership, slavery, alcohol, and government.

• Read more about the transition of Georgia into a royal colony and the creation of a new government, click on this link.
• Colonial Georgia's stance on slavery changed as it transitioned into a royal colony. Click on this link to read more.

e. Give examples of the kinds of goods and services produced and traded in colonial Georgia.

• Rice was the first staple crop of colonial Georgia. Read more about its importance here.
• Indigo was a major natural resource that was traded in colonial Georgia. Read more about it here.
• The colonists began trading with the Indians. They would receive deer skins and Indian slaves. Read more here.