Read the brief paragraph before each set of documents to understand what you need to learn from the readings. Write on one question from Chapter 1 or one question from Chapter 2. Type in the question you are answering above the essay. Be sure to clearly state your position in the first paragraph and then support it with facts. Cite the sources within your essay and the length of the essay must be a minimum of one full page single-spaced.

CHAPTER 1

The formation of the Iroquois League of Peace is estimated to have taken place as early as 1142, but more likely between 1450 and 1525. By contrast the governing document of the United States, the Constitution, was drafted in 1787. As you examine both documents, conduct a comparative analysis of specific passages within each document.
"Iroquois League Of Peace" Reprint of original document (1900) "United States Constitution" (1787)

Iroquois League of Peace Link (Links to an external site.)

"United States Constitution 1787"

U.S. Constitution Link (Links to an external site.)

1. Evaluate the evidence suggesting that the Constitution was modeled after the League of Peace. Cite specific passages from each document in a comparative manner.

2. The prevailing stereotype of Native Americans was that they were "uncivilized" with no governing structures. How does the League of Peace counter this perception?

3. Does the League of Peace address certain political structural issues that are relevant today? Cite specific passages and examples.
The arrival of the British on the east coast of North America presented numerous challenges for Native Americans particularly the British desire to acquire land. Below are three documents by Native American leaders presenting their arguments against British expansion. As you view the documents consider what is each speaker's main point(s).

"Metacom's Grievances" (1675)

Metacom's Speech Link (Links to an external site.)

Canestego's "Speeches at the Treaty of Lancaster" (1744) Ateawaneto's "Speech Resisting Colonial Expansion" (1752)

1. In comparative essay, which of these three leaders presents the best argument against colonial expansion and why? Cite specific passages from the documents.

2. The time frame of these speeches spans 77 years. Discuss what has changed and what remains the same regarding the Native American view of colonial expansion.

CHAPTER 2

One of the problems confronting the colonies was the shortage of labor primarily in the agriculture sector. The demand for crops grew faster than the labor pool to harvest them. Indentured servants filled the void initially followed by the institution of slavery of African Americans. As you view these documents note the differences and similarities between the two practices.

Virginia Slave Laws 1662-1669 (Links to an external site.)

Indentured Servitude 1656; John Hammond (Links to an external site.)

Indentured Servitude 1747; Javin Toby (Links to an external site.)

1. Why did the Virginia slave laws change so frequently?

2. Regarding the two indentured servitude documents, one speaks of the experience in Virginia and the other Rhode Island. What are the similarities and differences between the two? How would you account for these differences and similarities

3. Compare and contrast the similarities of slavery and indentured servitude. Why did the two systems evolve so differently?

As the economy of the American colonies grew, the British sought new ways to control this growth and limit the potential of the colonies becoming an economic rival. The Navigation Acts document is lengthy, but it is comprised of the revisions to the act over a period of 36 years. Look at each section and note the changes from the previous version and what products fall under its jurisdiction. The second document provides a brief explanation of the benefits of mercantilism for colonial powers.

Navigation Acts 1660-1696 (Links to an external site.)

Mercantilist Ideas 1664; Thomas Mun (Links to an external site.)

1. Why did the British revise the Navigation Acts and change the goods covered by it? Which colonies were impacted most by the Navigation Acts and why?

2. What were the adverse effects of mercantilism on the colonies and did they serve to fuel the move for independence from Britain?

3. Did the Navigation Acts benefit or damage British mercantilist policies? Cite examples.