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Theme: American Diversity Shandelle Sullivan APUSH 1st FRQ 1/26/12 Genocide: An Epidemic within the colonies When determining whether or not the English colonist committed genocide, a few factors must be considered. One must first have an understanding of what genocide is. By definition, genocide is “the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group (Genocide).” One must then understand the time period and the cultural diversity between the settlers and the Native Americans of that time period.

In 1492 the first European explorer arrived to America, little did they know, already occupying this new continent were approximately 54 million Native people (Kennedy). Unaccustomed to one another, they lived on the same lands with diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

In this time period, the Native Americans had grown accustomed to their way of life. Primarily dependent on farming, hunting, and fishing for resources these natives made everything they lived off of from the lands. They were also completely self reliant, maintaining this characteristic throughout their existence (Kennedy). They believed that spirits held the answer to all.

In regards to this, the English settlers relied on their hired help and the ease of their society. They bought many of their goods and supplies, and for the jobs they could not perform, they relied on craftsmen of the art ie blacksmiths or carpenters. As well, they were primarily of the Christian faith, and lived their lives accordingly (Kennedy).

Even as Christians the settlers committed violent acts against the Native Americans. In the beginning the settlers were civil with the Natives, it wasn’t until the Native Americans did something against them that the murders occurred.

Examples of genocide can be seen in 1585, when Richard Grenville arrived in Virginia with seven ships loaded with settlers. Once he landed he was greeted by friendly Native Americans, unfortunately one of the natives tried to steal a silver cup from Grenville. In retaliation he burned the entire tribe.

Genocide really sparked in 1612 when the Native Americans tried to rebel against the colonists. They were somewhat successful, and killed 347 settlers. However their rebellion brought about war between the English colonists and the Native Americans.

The first attempts of the English at revenge were made to enslave the Native Americans. When this failed, they decided the best option was to “exterminate them (Zinn).” The English then tried to kill as many Native Americans as possible, and not only that, they destroyed all of their crops and burned their homes (Zinn).

On May 26th 1635, Captain John Mason and his men attacked the Pequot tribe in Connecticut. They killed 900 Natives by burning them alive, and stabbed to death anyone who tried to run away (Native).

These are just a few accounts of genocide occurring within the colonies. With knowledge of these accounts it is evident that the English settlers are at fault for the destruction of American diversity. The vicious murder of the Native American people not only rid the colonies of them, but also rid the colonies of their culture and environmental footprint. Work Cited "Genocide | Define Genocide at Dictionary.com." //Dictionary.com | Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com//. Random House Dictionary, 2012. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. [].

"Genocide of Natives in the Western Hemisphere, Starting 1492 CE." //Past Genocides Committed against Native Americans//. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance, 2008. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. [].

Kennedy, David, Lizabeth Cohen, and Thomas Bailey. //The American Pagaent//. 12th ed. Houghton Mifflin. Print.

"Native American Genocide." //WICOCOMICO INDIAN NATION HOME PAGE//. Eagleman@theriver.com. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. [].

Zinn, Howard. "Columbus, The Indians, and Human Progress." //History Is A Weapon//. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. [].