One of the best primary sources that historians use are journal and diary entries from individuals. For this option you will be writing journal entries from the perspective of people who lived during this era of exploration. For this option you will be using only your thinking map and textbook to help you write your journal entries. You are to only use your textbook, no outside sources.
You will write a total of 4 journal entries.
2 journal entries will be from the perspective of a European explorer.
2 journal entries will be from the perspective of a native person who lived in regions that were colonized by the Europeans.
You will use the template below to help you organize your journal entries.
Journal Entry Template
Each Journal entry requires the following:
5 or more sentences per journal entry.
European Explorer
Journal 1: Travel (Pages 671-678, 709 in the physical textbook) (Topic 16, Lessons 1 & 6 the online textbook)
Share why you are exploring.
Describe what travel was like (conditions and inventions used).
Journal 2: Encounter with Native People (Pages 680-685,688-692,695 physical textbook) (Topic 16, Lessons 2, 3 & 4 online textbook)
What was your reaction/interaction with the native people?
Native Person
Journal 3: Life before Eurpeans arrived
Describe immediate effects the Europeans had on native peoples. (Pages 680-684 physical textbook) (Topic 16, Lesson 2 online textbook)
Journal 4: Life after Europeans arrived
How did the arrival of Europeans impact your way of life long term?(Pages 691-692, 695-696 physical textbook) (Topic 16, Lesson 4 online textbook)
For this assignment you must submit:
Thinking Map
4 Journal Entries
You will submit your project to the dropbox that is linked in the lesson scheduled on your planner for April 23rd.
European Explorer
Journal 1: Travel
Dear Journal,
I am setting out on this exploration in search of fame, wealth, and new territories to conquer for my country. The conditions of travel are harsh, with unpredictable weather, rough terrain, and limited supplies. However, we are equipped with the latest inventions such as compasses, astrolabes, and new ship designs that make our journey slightly easier.
Sincerely,
European Explorer
Journal 2: Encounter with Native People
Dear Journal,
Today, we encountered a group of native people who were curious yet cautious of us. They have their own unique customs and languages that are unfamiliar to us. We tried to communicate through gestures and trading goods, but there is still a language barrier that makes interactions difficult. Despite this, I am hopeful that we can establish peaceful relations with them in the future.
Sincerely,
European Explorer
Native Person
Journal 3: Life before Europeans arrived
Dear Journal,
Life was peaceful before the arrival of the Europeans. We lived off the land, hunting and gathering for sustenance. However, with the arrival of the Europeans, disease and violence spread rapidly among our people. Many of us succumbed to illnesses that we had never encountered before, and our way of life was forever changed.
Sincerely,
Native Person
Journal 4: Life after Europeans arrived
Dear Journal,
The arrival of the Europeans has had a profound impact on our way of life. Our lands have been taken from us, our resources exploited, and our traditions and beliefs challenged. We are forced to adapt to their ways or face further oppression. It is a difficult time for our people, but I am hopeful that we can persevere and preserve our culture for future generations.
Sincerely,
Native Person