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Chronological Reasoning and Causation

The Native American and British Experience in the French and Indian War

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About this Activity

  1. Load Speeches and treaties between William Johnson and the Haudenosaunee, 1755-1756. in Main Image Viewer
  2. Load Speeches and treaties between William Johnson and the Haudenosaunee, 1755-1756. in Main Image Viewer
  3. Load Speeches and treaties between William Johnson and the Haudenosaunee, 1755-1756. in Main Image Viewer
  4. Load Speeches and treaties between William Johnson and the Haudenosaunee, 1755-1756. in Main Image Viewer
  5. Load Speeches and treaties between William Johnson and the Haudenosaunee, 1755-1756. in Main Image Viewer
  6. Load Speeches and treaties between William Johnson and the Haudenosaunee, 1755-1756. in Main Image Viewer
  7. Load Speeches and treaties between William Johnson and the Haudenosaunee, 1755-1756. in Main Image Viewer
  8. Load Henry Hudson Contacting Indigenous Peoples in Main Image Viewer
  9. Load Sir William Johnson Conferring with Indigenous Peoples in Main Image Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Students can complete the activity using Consider the Source or by using these worksheets: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YdxjseLS7NahseYOSyLpHr_BEHzP55befzB2Dxe9l60/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LZvvXMET0FafOdT6AB3JPm6kSdKLHNdX/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107619970453312263584&rtpof=true&sd=true

Historical Background: Fort Johnson was established as a small British fortress site in the years leading up to the French and Indian war. This site was built by Sir William Johnson in 1749 when Johnson was Major General of Provincial Militia (including Mohawk Valley.) At one point in the war Johnson had over 1,000 natives camped on his plantation. Johnson kept in good working relations with the Mohawks who continued to stay true to England throughout the war. Many other native tribes established their alliances to the French. 

Compelling Question: During the French and Indian War, what was the relationship between the British soldiers and the Native Americans of the region?

Staging the Question: An optional document analysis warm-up

Standards/Skills:  SS Standard: 7.3a Conflicts between France and Great Britain in the 17th and 18th centuries in North America altered the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain. Students will examine how Native Americans attempted to maintain a diplomatic balance between themselves and the French and the English settlers.

Method of Delivery: 

Direct Instruction: 

  1. Review historical background with students 

Group or Independent Practice:

  1. Students should complete the document analysis. Each question should be answered in the chart for both Documents A and B 

  2. Complete the summative task at the end of the chart in order to answer the compelling question 

Closure: (Sharing/Reflection)

  1. Students should discuss the differences and similarities between the two sources 

Summative Performance Task: (Assessment of Student Learning)

Writing assignment to respond to the compelling question. In this assignment students will write a short response in which they respond to the following question: During the French and Indian War, what was the relationship between the British soldiers and the Native Americans of the region? They must use at least 2 details total using BOTH documents to create an informative response.

RETURN TO RESULTS