Native Americans
The first Natives that were in South Carolina were the Eastern woodland natives. The three most important tribes were the Cherokee of the mountains, the Catawba of the Piedmont, and the Yemassee who lived along the coast. After Europeans arrived they traded furs and deer skins for iron tools, and some were put into slavery. This lead to problems between the natives and the settlers.
The Cherokee lived in the foothills of South Carolina and called themselves the 'real people'. They lived in villages up to six hundred people inside of multiple daub and wattle houses. They are know for putting walnut bark in water to poison the fish in order to get their food. Men and women made up the leaders of the village, as well as having a White leader (normal leader) and a red leader (leader that took over in times of war).
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The Catawba tribe lived in the rivers of the Peidmont region and called themselves the 'river people'. Their homes were called wigwams, made from sapling frames covered with bark or mats made of grasses and reeds. The tribe was made for their great talent in pottery, making lots and other items. They also had council houses in the villages where leaders would make up the rules for the tribe.
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The Yemassee moved from the Spanish Florida to the near mouth of the Savannah river to escape the Spanish governed. This tribes meal consisted of fish, clams, and oysters on the daily. During the winter they lived in wattle and daub houses and wigwams during the summer. The Yemassee also had a council that made decisions for the tribe that sometimes included women.
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European Exploration
Conquistadors, Spanish explorers, claimed a large amount of central and South America. They originally came to search for gold but instead set up large plantations, encomiendas, and used the natives for slave labor. Soon the natives were killed by disease and being overworked so the spainards brough africans to contine the slave labor. They soon established universities and cities.
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The French explorers were searching for the northwest passage and claimed part of the St. Lawrence River, and also created settlements now called Montreal and Quebec. French settlers gained close relationships with the natives by trading furs and guns with the natives.
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England joined the party by their motivation from the three G's. God, Glory, and Gold. They set up settlements such as Virginia and New England. English came and expanded their culture, lauguage, Protestent religions, and ideas about self government.
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All countries set up settlements in South Carolina but only one is still here today, Charles Town. Charles Town was established by the English in 1670 and is now called Charleston.
The Original 13 Colonies
Jamestown was the first PERMANENT settlement of the new world. It was established by using a joint stock company and made money by planting tobacco and using the headright system.
The new England colonies were created due to people running from religious persecution. They struggled to survive but with the hep of the natives, They were able to grow enough corn to survive but they never became wealthy. These colonies prospered by harvesting lumber, building ships, and trading. Due to the large Puritans families, their form of religion and democratic style of government spread.
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The middle Colonies were made up of a wide variety of European settlers. In fact, this colony had the greatest diversity of people and religion. They prospered from good harbors and fertile fields which led them to get the name "breadbasket colony".
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The Southern colonies were formed when King Charles II granted and to 8 lord proprietors lOD Proprietors charged the colonists a quitrent, or fee. This society was based on elite status rather than religion. The headright system was also used in the Southern Colonies.
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