1: Native Americans Flashcards
Native Americans
Where did Native Americans come from?
Native Americans originated from Africa 14.000+ years ago. They travelled from Africa to Asia, then to Siberia, and finally entered North America.
What are Paleo Indians?
Paleo Indians are the earliest ancestors of the Native Americans. They hunted mammoths, sloths and bison. They shared certain biological traits with their Asian contemporaries.
What is the biggest differences between tribes that dictate the way of living?
Environment and climate
How did the Native American tribes in the planes live?
They hunted buffalo/bison, and lived in tipi tents that were easy to break down and travel with. this was ideal because the tribes in the plains were nomads, who never stayed in one specific place for a long time.
How did the Native American tribes in the Southwest live?
They lived in hollowed out cliffs/canyons of soft stone. These protected them from rain and other unfavorable weather circumstances.
How did the Native American tribes in forests/lush greens live?
They lived in houses made of bark/wood and mud. They stayed in places more permanently because their houses were robust and sturdy.
Define “nomadic living”
Moving from one place to another rather than living in one place all of the time.
Way of life: Hunter-gatherers
Lived in the great, vast plains and hunted buffalo and bison for food. They moved along with these herds through various seasons and had less spare time since they were always chasing after these animals to survive.
What beliefs did the Native Americans have?
They were spiritual and respected nature immensely. they valued living in harmony wih the (super)natural forces. Native Americans had traditional customs and religious ceremonies. They also believed earth could not be owned.
What beliefd did the Europeans have?
Earth can definitely be owned, private/individual ownership of land is plausible. Intensive farming, according to them, was the way to go.
Explain the conflict on land ownership from both sides; what were each of their opinions?
NA: Land cannot be owned, humans can only borrow land with respect for nature.
EU: Land can definitely be owned and bought. It should be used for intensive farming.
Christopher Columbus; discovery and feelings?
Reached USA on October 12th of 1492.
- Was actually trying to find a route from Spain to Asia (Specifically India)
- Shocked by hundreds of groups of people living there already.
Europeans’ 5 thoughts on the Native Americans….
1- Untamed savages; lesser than human.
2- Native Americans were souls ripe for religious conversion/saving.
3- Plentiful supply of labor (didn’t work out).
4- Obstacle to progress (bribes/scamming).
5- Simple nuisances needed to be extracted.
What is the Iroquios League?
Confederation of five (later six) Indian tribes in the Upper New York state that, during 17th and 18th centuries played a strategic role in the battle of North America fought between England and France.
Definition of Polytheistic
Relating to or characterized by belief or worship of more than one god.
Indian Territory (never organized!)
Small area restricted to Oklahoma. Chotaw, Creek, Cherokee, Chickasaw and Seminole tribes were forcibly moved there. An Act set this place aside as Indian Territory or Indian Country.
What is the Indian Removal Act?
The first major legislative document from the U.S. policy. (To respect andgive rights to Amerindians)
Authorized president to grant tribes unsettled wstern prairie landsin exchange for their desirable territories. (Especially in the southeast.)
“The FIVE civilized tribes” - meaning?
Term used (un)officially to describe Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Seminole Indians in Oklahoma as a whole. These tries had somewhat assimilated into the white settler culture.
What is The Trail of Tears?
A forced relocation of Southeast US tribes: Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Seminole tribes to the so-called Indian Territory west of the Mississippi river.
