Who “discovered” America?

Sec 1: The American Indians

The American Indians Why It Matters The people who first inhabited North and South America found a land rich in resources and varied in geographic features. As they spread out across the land, they developed distinctive ways of living and surviving. Their cultures represent a central part of our heritage and history.

The First Americans Migration Map The American Indians The First Americans The 1st humans to live in the Americas. Traveled down the western coast of North America (40,000 years ago). Crossed the Bering land bridge during the last ice age (15,000 years ago). Migration Map Paleo-Indians Coastal route theory Land bridge theory

The American Indians The First Americans Paleo-Indians were big game hunters who hunted mammoths and giant bison because how they made and used things can be traced over periods of time

The American Indians The First Americans Clovis points have been found at kill sites for mammoth, mastodon and bison across the North America Clovis points are named because the first recorded discovery was by A.W. Anderson who lived in Clovis, NM

The American Indians The First Americans As the Ice Age ended, Paleo-Indians migrated and adapted to the new climate. Took place over a long period of time and involved small, independent bands of people Took place over a long period of time and involved small, independent bands of nomadic people

The American Indians The First Americans As large animals such as the mammoth disappeared, Native Americans hunted smaller game and ate plants and berries. Native Americans began to find new food sources by learning to plant and raise crops. People living near the coast or rivers learned to fish. Settlers formed villages and communities. Some people remained nomadic hunters.

The First Americans Never developed a common identity The American Indians The First Americans Never developed a common identity Each group focused on its own survival No common language was developed Due to isolation lost inherited immunities from disease (small pox, tuberculosis)

Diverse Cultures Emerge The American Indians Diverse Cultures Emerge The Native Americans became culturally diverse as they adapted to their varying local climates and environments. By 1492, the American Indians spoke at least 375 distinct languages.

The Beginnings of Agriculture The American Indians The Beginnings of Agriculture About 3,500 years ago in central Mexico, American Indians developed three important crops: maize (corn), squashes, and beans. How does the rise of agriculture lead to civilization?

Did not have centralized nations like those in Europe. The American Indians What are some of the common cultural traits among early Native American cultures? Did not have centralized nations like those in Europe. American Indians owned little private property. Similar spiritual beliefs. Similar gender roles.

Early American Indian Cultures The American Indians Early American Indian Cultures Activity Research early American Indian cultures and the geographic region they were located by reading pages 6-9. The Southwest The Mississippi River Valley The Great Plains Eastern Woodlands

Native American Cultures Map The American Indians Native American Cultures Map Turn to page 8 in your textbook to complete the map. Indicate the following regions: Southeast, Northeast, Plains, Southwest, Great Basin, California, Plateau, Northwest Coast, Subarctic, and Arctic. Use a different color for each region. Identify the Native American Culture groups in each region. Write the names of the culture groups in the appropriate region. Using a separate sheet of paper is best. Summarize/Bullet Point the main characteristics of each Native American culture in each region. Critical Thinking: In what ways do Native American cultures reflect geographic/environmental influences?