Our Own Country
In studying American history it is best to disregard the natural divisions of decades and centuries and take it up by periods; programs on these may cover as many meetings as necessary. The books suggested from time to time may be read at home, or aloud in some of the meetings. One good reference book which all members can use is John Fiske's History of the United States for Schools. It has maps, questions, and other helps. The first period is that of
I—DISCOVERY
Begin with the stories of the voyages of the Norsemen across the sea. Are these considered historically true to-day? Follow with the three voyages of Columbus, what he accomplished and where he failed. Americus Vespucius and the Cabots come next, and the subject of the Spanish explorations in the South, particularly in Florida.
Ponce de Léon, Coronado, and De Soto are all fascinating topics for brief talks. The Huguenots made one settlement in Florida of peculiar interest, and this is written of in a novel called Flamingo Feather, by Munroe.
The period ends with the discovery by the French of the Canadian country and the establishment of the fisheries in Newfoundland.
Read Francis Parkman on Champlain and the wonderful stories of the Jesuit missionaries on the St. Lawrence and the lakes.
II—COLONIZATION
1. The London Company is responsible for the settling of both the South and the North. Begin with the study of Virginia, the history of Sir Walter Raleigh and John Smith. Then give plenty of time to these important topics: The founding of Jamestown, the different governors and their policies, the Indians and their relations to the colonists, the beginning of slavery, the raising of tobacco, and the coming from England of indentured servants. Read Mary Johnston's To Have and To Hold, which gives an excellent picture of the times.
Note the changes in the colony when Charles I. came to the throne and the cavaliers came over, bringing something of luxury with them. In closing the period mention Bacon's rebellion. Read from John Esten Cooke's Virginia: a History of the People, and also White Aprons, by Maud Wilder Goodwin.