Write three (3) journal entries from the perspective of Hernando DeSoto on the American Indians during European exploration in Georgia. This is not a report on the events, but the thoughts and feelings of someone living during the era. Your journal should include key terms (STEEL, HORSES, DISEASE, PIGS, BARRIER ISLANDS, SPANISH MISSION, HERNANDO DESOTO). Students can use images that are provided to help with their thinking and explanation in their journal. Additionally, your diary should include graphic and/or drawings to help the reader grasp a greater understanding of your point-of-view.
Entry 1: Exploring Georgia's Native Tribes
Date: May 20, 1540
Today marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey into the unknown. As a young Spanish explorer, I am filled with a mix of excitement, curiosity, and apprehension. Our mission, led by the esteemed Hernando DeSoto, is to chart the unexplored territories of this new land and seek out wealth and riches. Along the way, we will encounter the native tribes that call this land home.
Our encounter with the American Indians has been both fascinating and challenging. The first tribe we encountered were the Creeks, who welcomed us with curiosity and hospitality. They expressed great interest in our steel weapons and tools, marveling at their strength and durability compared to their own primitive tools. There was a sense of awe and wonder as they examined our armor and felt the cold, hard surfaces of our swords and helmets. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of superiority, for our advanced technology seemed so beyond their grasp.
We also introduced the natives to another foreign wonder - horses. The sight of these majestic creatures instilled both fear and astonishment in the American Indians. They had never seen such powerful animals before and were in awe of our ability to tame and ride them. The arrival of the horses undoubtedly gave us an advantage as we ventured further into their lands, for our mobility and speed surpassed their own.
Entry 2: Contemplating the Impact of Disease
Date: July 15, 1540
Our encounters with the American Indians have taken a dark turn. It appears that in our quest for wealth and glory, we unknowingly brought with us a silent but deadly enemy – disease. The natives had no immunity to the diseases we carried, and as a result, entire tribes have been decimated. The once-thriving settlements we encountered are now eerily deserted, the only signs of life being the aftermath of devastation and despair.
Witnessing the consequences of disease on the American Indians is heart-wrenching. The once vibrant communities have been reduced to mere remnants of their former selves. Their faces bear the marks of grief and loss, as they mourn the deaths of their loved ones. I struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this tragedy. Our presence has inadvertently brought devastation to these native people, forever altering the course of their history.
Entry 3: The Spanish Mission and its Consequences
Date: November 10, 1540
As we continue our exploration of Georgia, I am struck by the introduction of yet another foreign element – pigs. These robust creatures thrive in the lush coastal region, transforming the landscape as they voraciously consume everything in their path. The American Indians are perplexed by our use of pigs for food, as they view these animals only as scavengers and not fit for consumption. Yet, they watch with fascination as we rear the pigs and witness their swift multiplication.
Our encounters with the natives have taken a new turn with the establishment of Spanish missions. While our intentions were to spread Christianity and gain converts, the consequences have been far more complex. The American Indians found themselves torn between embracing our faith and staying true to their ancestral beliefs. The arrival of missionaries has caused cultural clashes and upheaval within their communities, leaving them torn between their traditions and the allure of our foreign religion.
Looking back on our journey thus far, I am filled with a mix of emotions. The interactions between the European explorers and the American Indians have been both transformative and destructive. It is undeniable that our presence has forever shaped the course of history for these indigenous peoples, for better or worse. Our encounters have forced me to question the power dynamics between conquerors and the conquered, and the profound impact these interactions have had on the native tribes of Georgia.