Massachusetts and Native Americans

Flashcards based on lecture notes about the settlement of Massachusetts and its impact on Native Americans.

Who were the group of British people who settled in America in 1620 on the Mayflower?

Puritans

Why did the Puritans leave Britain?

They were persecuted for their religious beliefs.

What was the name of the religious colony set up by the Puritans?

New Plymouth

What were the initial aims of the New Plymouth colony?

Fishing and trading with other colonies

What is the significance of the Pilgrim Fathers?

They were the settlers of the first permanent colony, and their legacy influenced American Identity

What was the main source of farming for the New Plymouth colony?

Offshore fishing, particularly cod

What principles did the settlers establish in New Plymouth?

Democratic principles and a constitution to ensure Puritan religious beliefs

Between which years did over 20,000 settlers arrive in Massachusetts?

Between 1629 and 1640

How did the British arrival in North America affect Native American tribes?

The British were seen as invaders who took territory by force and spread diseases.

What was the state of the early settlers' relations with Native Americans?

Varied, with initial good relations followed by disrespect and massacres over land claims.

Give examples of Native American tribes that had good relations with early settlers

Powhatan.

What were some of the devastating European diseases brought to America?

Measles and smallpox

What was the population of Native Americans in 'British' territories around 1500?

Approximately 560,000

What was the population of Native Americans in 'British' territories by 1200?

Fewer than 280,000