Transcript Explorers and Pilgrims PP

When Worlds Collide
An Introduction to
the Explorers and Pilgrims
by Jodi Smith
Plainfield North High School 2006
Context for the Collision:
The Middle Ages
• Faith-dominated society
– Protestant Reformation (1517): not until 25
years after Columbus (1492)
– Europe essentially united by Christendom
• Militaristic mindset
– Crusades/Wars with Ottoman Empire
• Religious as well as cultural (E vs. W)
• Knighthood/war=prestige, living…eternal life?
Christopher Columbus
• First appeal to Portugal
– World power for exploration (Henry the
Navigator)
– Spice Trade motivation (around Africa)
• Spain’s approval: Ferdinand & Isabella
– Political “new kid”—acceptance of “crazy”
idea
• Mission Accomplished: 1492: Bahamas
– Claims land for Spain; native/sword accident
Spain vs. Portugal:
The Battle for the New World
• Pope Alexander VI splits “rights” to the
New World between Portugal and
Spain…
– CONDITION: conversion
• Religious motives as well as political (land, wealth,
additional resources against Ottoman Empire)
explain desire for conversion and gold
– Trivia: Precious metals imported from the New World
come back to haunt Spain—devaluing of money.
Hernando Cortez:
Curse of Aztec Gold?
• Strong-willed: burned ships to ensure success
• Encountered Aztec culture in 1519
– Warlike tribes attack Spaniards
– Aztecs advanced but also infamous (human sacrifice)
– Emperor Montezuma—Cortez=Quetzlcoatl
reincarnated? Accepts Cortez BUT
– Aztecs attack Vera Cruz (colony); Cortez declares
war
• Aztec destruction: famine, war, disease
Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca
• Claim to fame: family legacy against
Moors (hence title—victory trail—cow
skulls)
• Expedition to FL 1526 shipwrecked!
– 8 years of wandering in the New World
“La Relacion”—report to Charles V of Spain
Pilgrims: Separatists NOT Puritans
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Separatists: leave the Church of England; Puritans
wanted to reform it (later arrival).
John Calvin/Geneva Bible (subversive lit)
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Religious art is sinful
Marriage: civil, not sacramental
• Good for avoiding sin
• Good for reproduction
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Predestination
Religious holidays—no Easter or Christmas
Education
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Young children by mother; older children AND mother by father
(no abuse on Mayflower)
Reading—important! (theological significance)
William Bradford
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Orphaned in England; joins Separatists by 17
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Separatists hunted/imprisoned under James I (yes,
James of KJV)
• Separatists flee to Holland
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Face poverty
Holland—war w/Spain and alliance with England—pressure on
Pilgrims; plan to come to New World!
Trip to the New World
• Separatists joined by others
• Bradford: Administrator (elected)
• Land in New England; Mayflower Compact (first democratic
document)preserve unity/cooperation to survive
Relocation to Plymouth
 New
England settlement attacked by
natives; sail to Plymouth Harbor
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Available land—formerly of Patuxet Tribe
• Wiped out previouslyillness
• Sole survivor: SQUANTO (becomes interpreter)
Gov. William Bradford, Author
 Elected
governor in 1620/21; served
almost continuously until 1657 (death).
 Of Plymouth Plantation
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Bradford’s journal of Mayflower
voyage/settlement
Most complete record of the first 30 years
following the Pilgrim Settlement
Example of a PRIMARY DOCUMENT
For Further Info…
www.us-history.com
 http://www.floridahistory.com/cabback.html
 http://www.pilgrimhall.org/bradjour.htm
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