Summary: In this lesson, students will first read the introductory background and a brief primary source excerpt. Then students will apply their knowledge of American history to describe the events that led to the Lenni-Lenape Indians living on the Brotherton reservation in New Jersey; explain why the settlement at Brotherton failed; consider the Lenape reaction to non tribe members owning or living on Brotherton land; and explain why most members of the Brotherton community left New Jersey in 1802?
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- NEW JERSEY: How have changes in New Jersey during this time period influenced U.S. history?
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.HistoryUP.2.a: Using primary sources, describe the perspectives of African Americans, Native Americans, and women during the American Revolution and assess the contributions of each group on the outcome of the war.
- 6.1.12.CivicsPI.2.a: Prepare and articulate a point of view about the importance of individual rights, separation of powers, and governmental structure in New Jersey’s 1776 constitution and the United States Constitution.
Link for Lesson: The Brotherton Indians of New Jersey, 1780 | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History