Colonies in Profile: Treatment of the Native Americans

•READ:
There were complex patterns of relationship between the colonists and Native Americans. The relationships ran the gamut from friendly to violent, varying widely depending on the tribe involved, with misunderstandings and clashes of cultures and languages. Disagreements abounded over the concepts of communal versus private property. Violent clashes occurred along the edges of the colonial frontier, and cross-frontier retaliations by both sides were not uncommon. Colonists could be caught in conflicts between various Native American tribes, and likewise, Native Americans were often caught in conflicts between European powers. Systematic displacement of Native Americans was usually limited to localities during this period (such as after King Philip’s War in southern New England and through the Indian slave trade on the South Carolina frontier). Displacement over time was primarily due to devastation from disease and gradual, individual settlement westward. A number of colonists criticized some of the ways that colonial governments dealt with Native Americans. These also condemned and sought to remove slavery from their colonies. Both explanations for decimation by disease AND arguments for justice toward Native Americans and Africans often cited Christian religious beliefs and moral philosophy.
•ACTIVITY:
Draw a 3-panel comic strip which shows:
1.) Friendly trade or cooperation between colonists & Native Americans
2.) Misunderstanding or disagreement between the groups
3.) Efforts at peace again
-Under each of the panels, write one simple caption (1-2 sentences) to describe what's happening. Example: "Colonists and Natives trade tools for corn." "They argue about who owns the land." "Peace talks after a small skirmish"
***Turn in this drawing on Monday, October 27th.***