Clash of Cultures Activity

OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to explain three reasons for the French attempt at settlement in northeast Florida through persuasive writing.

AGE

4th-6th grade

ENHANCES

LA.B.1.2.1, LA.B.2.2.1, LA.B.2.2.3, SS.A.1.2.1, SS.A.1.2.2, SS.A.6.2.5

TIME AND PLACE

Classroom post-visit activity, 20 minutes

WORKSHEET

Letter to the King pdf (39k)

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EVALUATION

The three concepts of God, glory, and gold were discussed by the ranger with your group during your Fort Caroline field trip. The students’ essays should convey an understanding of these three concepts and their role in French colonization. They are summarized below.

God - The goal was to ease religious tensions in France by providing the Huguenots, who were the majority of the settlers, an opportunity to prove to the king that despite their religious nonconformity they could serve him and France as loyally as any Catholic subject could. If the colony succeeded, it might serve to strengthen the Huguenot’s ties to the crown, pacify the moderate Catholics, and lessen the religious persecution in France.

Gold - The valuable resources that many explorers hoped to find in Florida, such as gold, were never found, but other resources such as land and possibly revenue from a successful colony was tempting for the European countries. Also, the possibility of acquiring gold and other valuables off wrecked or pirated Spanish vessels traveling the coast of Florida to catch the Gulf Stream to return to Spain might be an additional incentive.

Glory - The claim and settlement of territory in the New World was a source of power and prestige to France or Spain.