Native American Tribes In North America circa 1500 (Map+Description)

The following map depicts Native American tribes in North America circa 1500. All major Native American tribes across the country are labeled as well as the top crop/subsistence that is abundant to the area.There are many tribes clustered in the modern day New Mexico and Arizona area. If one visited those states today they could see the native culture and way of life in numerous aspects. A name of a tribe could be a reason behind the naming of US states(ex. Dakota and Illinois). The Great Lakes could also be named after a Native American tribe(ex. Erie). The map is an excellent way to see Native American tribes and what resources were bountiful circa 1500 in North America. 

Less Of A Video More Of An Action

One may not realize this but slavery still exists today! There are over 27 million people currently living in slavery in 2013, and it is our duty to call attention to it. Assigned by Ms. Gleason, a group of 3-4 students was given a topic relating to modern day slavery and was told to create a PSA for that topic. My group was assigned "The Context of Modern Day Slavery: Big Picture Why it Happens". We had a couple of days to gather information and pictures to include in the PSA. Then we assembled the PSA as well as the pictography and bibliography. The project was very informative and build team work skills.Check out my group's PSA above!

And check out other PSA's by fellow students of mine at www.endingmoderndayslaveryatrmhs.wikispaces.com

Merchant Humphrey Morice and His Story Interacting With Slaves

   Humphrey Morice was involved in the highest level of global trade, finance capital, and the economy of the British Empire. He was a member of the ruling class and  one of the free traders who led the attack against the chartered monopoly of the Royal African Company in the early years of the eighteenth century. Also, Morice was London’s leading slave trader in the eighteen century. One of the small fleet of slave ships owned by Morice was named Katherine, after his wife and daughters. He also put together a list of “Defects to be carefully avoided” when selecting a slave. These defects varied from sickness to loss of fingers, toes or teeth. Something interesting that Morice did was that he demanded that both sailors and slaves should both be treated well.

   On the Katherine, many died for various reasons. Some jumped overboard and drowned. While others died with a fever and other symptoms. The reading also mentions a woman who perished of “Palsey and lost the use of Limbs.” I know that the treatment of slaves was widely debated; and to think that people were still dieing with so called "good" treatment speaks loudly.

    I learned that some slave traders actually cared for the slaves like Morice did. He wanted them to be treated fairly which was surprising. I also found out that some slaves were branded with a letter. Was this to know who came from a certain ship or place? Or was it to show who held power over certain slaves?