1) Describe some of the characteristics of Indian societies in North America, specifically contrasting the culture of these Indians with that of the European conquerors. (Joe Guzzo)
The Indian societies of North America consisted of nomads and settlers. Tribes of the Pacific Northwest fished for salmon and made permanent settlements along the coast. Northern game hunters were nomadic and hunted caribou. Many people of the Southwest created irrigation systems to help them farm on dry land. The Woodland Indians hunted, fished, and gathered. People of the Mississippi River Valley and Southwest were centers of trade. The Northeastern agricultural societies were very different from other farming societies. They used methods that exploited the land quickly instead of making permanent settlements. Tribes east of the Mississippi were connected through language. The Indian tribes viewed land as being communal and not privately owned. That was why they were confused when the Europeans tried buying land from them. (this is what I had) 2)Discuss how political developments in England in the 17th century influenced the policies of the English governments towards the colonies. To what degree were the colonies free from the influence of English politics? How did kings use land in the New World to garner support for themselves? (Shane) King James 1 of England comes in conflict with Parliament Income of the government was lower than the cost of fighting wars and maintaining government By going to parliament and asking for loans he would be empowering parliament and decreasing the power of the monarchy which was unfavorable (power of the purse) This leads to the colonization of the new world and the development of Jamestown in 1607 The colonies in the New World were primarily for economic purposes. Rather than relying on the parliament for money the King could spend money gained from the colonies.
This weakened the power of the purse, which was the influence that legislative bodies held over public policy because of their ability to vote money for public purposes.
Salutary Neglect was an unofficial English policy The companies and merchants in the New World governed themselves with little to no supervision from British officials The only requirements were that the colonies pay taxes towards the British government and remain loyal to the crown Later the British imposed Mercantilism onto the colonies which severely restricted their trading ability.
The colonies were required to provide raw goods to Britain and could only purchase goods from the British colonies. This was very favorable for the British Economy The colonies were unable to compete with the British in manufacturing (producing textiles and such) Later British Parliament passed the Navigation Acts to further ensure that Mercantilism was maintained The British People were very eager to colonize the New World Enclosure Movement GB was converting from farming to a wool indust...