Period 1 1491-1607

First Americans

Arrival and Dispersal The earliest North American residents crossed a land bridge between Siberia and Alaska between 15,000-30,000 Following large game animals, these Asian immigrants gradually spread through North and South American, reaching the tip of South America by 9,000 BC

Culture Diversity The Incas, Mayas, and Aztecs were the most advanced of the 2,000 separate cultures that developed in the New World. The Anasazi, in what is now Arizona and New Mexico, built cliff-dwellings, roads and canals. Mississippi Valley tribes developed a farming culture around 800 BC. They built large earthen pyramids and established trading networks throughout much of North America Eastern Woodland occupied the land east of the Mississippi river in small, self-governing clans. Plains Indians developed a nomadic lifestyle, following buffalo herds across the American Plains.

Contact with Europeans – The Columbian Exchange The arrival of the Europeans greatly affected Indian cultures Massive epidemics in the Caribbean and Mexico occurred as native populations contracted Europeans diseases Tribes along the Atlantic Coast and the Ohio river valley were pressured to adapt to white settlers and traders, and became dependent on fur trading. Europeans attempted to civilize Indians and have them accept Christianity Plains Indians used guns and horses to expand their range and attack tribes

Similarities and Differences between Indians and European Settlers Both lived in village communities Both shared a strong sense of spirituality Both divided labor by gender Differences Indians didn’t share the European concept of private property Indian children were often part of their mother’s clan because many cultures were matrilineal.