What Did Europeans Want? Native Perspectives — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.4.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging history reading passage explores the topic 'What Did Europeans Want? Native Perspectives' and provides a chronological look at early interactions between European settlers and Native Americans during Colonial America. Students will learn what motivated Europeans to travel to North America and how Native peoples viewed these newcomers. The passage highlights themes of adaptation, negotiation, and different worldviews, while also reinforcing key vocabulary and literacy skills. Designed for upper elementary students, this resource aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, supporting both historical understanding and ELA development. Activities include a glossary, reading comprehension questions, writing prompts, a timeline, and a graphic organizer to help students compare perspectives. Also included are a relevant public domain image, read aloud audio, and a full Spanish translation to make history accessible to all learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Acrylic painting of Native Americans and Europeans trading goods by a lake. — Artistic Representation of Early American settlers trading with Native Americans.

European ships crossed the Atlantic Ocean and reached the shores of North America in the 1500s and 1600s. The Europeans came seeking new land, riches, and trading partners. They wanted gold, silver, and new places to live. They also hoped to find people who would trade goods with them.

When the Europeans arrived, Native American tribes already lived on the land. Native people had their own homes, languages, and ways of life. At first, many Native Americans were curious about the new arrivals. They watched as Europeans built homes and farms. Some tribes chose to meet and talk with the settlers.

The two groups began to trade. Europeans brought metal tools, cloth, and beads. In return, Native Americans gave food, animal furs, and knowledge about the land. One Native leader said, “We have plenty of land and food. Why do you want more?” This shows how Native Americans valued sharing and balance.

But the Europeans wanted more. As more ships arrived, the newcomers asked for more land. They started building towns and fences. Some settlers did not understand Native ways. This led to confusion and sometimes fights. Many Native tribes worried about losing their homes and traditions.

Native Americans tried many ways to solve problems. Some worked together to speak with European leaders. Others taught the settlers how to grow corn, hunt, and survive in the new land. Native people showed great adaptation and negotiation skills. They tried to keep peace while protecting their land.

Over time, more Europeans arrived. The balance between the groups changed. Some Native tribes lost land, but others found new ways to live and trade. Their bravery and unity helped them face many challenges. Their voices and choices shaped the early history of America.

Interesting Fact: The Wampanoag tribe shared their first harvest feast with the Pilgrims in 1621, which is remembered as the first Thanksgiving.

Why did Europeans come to America?

To find land and richesTo escape the weatherTo meet new animalsTo become Native leaders

What did Native Americans trade?

GoldFurs and foodShipsCoffee

Who shared the first harvest feast with Pilgrims?

Wampanoag tribeSpanish explorersFrench settlersEnglish soldiers

Why did some Native Americans worry?

Losing land and traditionsGetting more goldHaving too many animalsBuilding more ships

What is one way Native Americans helped settlers?

Taught them to grow cornGave them new shipsBrought them to EuropeTaught them Spanish

What does 'negotiation' mean in the passage?