Myths about Native Americans Why would European-Americans have found them convenient to “buy into”?

The “New World” Myth When the early explorers landed in North America, they discovered a sparsely populated “New World”.

“Virgin Wilderness” Myth When European settlers arrived, they discovered a pristine, virgin wilderness. OR When Europeans arrived, they discovered a people untouched by civilization.

The “Primitive Savage” Myth Ancient Native Americans were so primitive that they never attained the social, economic, agricultural or technological sophistication of other ancient peoples.

The “Hindrance to Progress” Myth In order to ensure the survival and progress of modern American civilization, it was inevitable that the Native Americans be defeated.