French and Dutch Colonization


US History European Colonization French and Dutch Colonization
Students learn the main characteristics and motivations of the French and Dutch colonies in the Americas. They compare and contrast the two colonies, and they explore the alliances with the American Indians.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for French and Dutch Colonization:

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Overview

In this experience, students learn the main characteristics and motivations of the French and Dutch colonies in the Americas. They compare and contrast the two colonies, and they explore the alliances with the American Indians.

The videos provide clear, in-depth information, but they are each just under nine minutes long. You may wish to cover this lesson into two class periods, or ask students to research either Dutch or French colonies, then share the graphic organizers they develop.

Essential Question:

Why do people migrate?

Objective:

  • Identify the reasons for French and Dutch colonization in North America.


Two European countries that claimed colonies in North America were France and the Netherlands. In this experience, you will compare and contrast their colonies.

Objectives:

  • Identify the reasons for French and Dutch colonization in North America.


A illustration showing a Dutchman cheating a Native American while weighing produce

The Great White Weigh, Puck Magazine


Look at this image from an 1871 cover of Puck, a humor magazine. Notice the title, and what the Dutchman is doing with his left foot. What do you think the illustrator is saying about the way the Dutch treated the Native Americans?


Write your interpretation of the illustration in the discussion wall below.

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The illustration shows a Dutchman holding balance scales on which are pelts and a weight. He is supporting the pelts side of the scales with his left foot, and he is holding the other side of the scales with his right hand in order to cheat the Native of the proper value for his pelts.

Students will likely say that the picture shows how Dutch cheated the Natives out of their goods.

Puck was a humor magazine published in the United States from 1871 until 1918. Discuss the title of the above Puck cover, “The Great White Weigh.”

You could point out that one legend—although debated by historians—is that the Dutch purchased the land that is now New York City from the Native Americans for $24 worth of goods.

If students want to learn more about this legend, they can read the article included in the student pack.


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