Regions of north america I can analyze the impact of geography on life in the different regions. Regions of north america

Regions Eastern Woodlands Cirum-Caribben Mesoamerica

Early Americans When they arrived is a mystery They were hunter/gatherers Followed food: buffalo, bison, mammoth Artifacts date back 20,000 years Settled down into regions, as their food supply became reliable Beringia/Bering: Land bridge they crossed to reach the Americas

The Northwest Indians houses were log cabins and Animal skin huts. They lived off an abundance of animals, fish, and plants. Used canoes to hunt whales, seals, fish Europeans make money in trading fur, seafood, whale meat and oil, lumber, and want a water route across America. Make shell buttons, totem poles, stone tools, baskets out of bark

Plains Indians lived in homes that could be taken down quickly. These houses were called teepees or wigwams. Were nomadic (move around to follow food) followed the buffalo/bison across the grasslands Diet mainly of meat, buffalo Used all parts of it for: cloth, teepees, tools, fuel Europeans wanted buffalo meat and skins

Eastern Woodlands Indians Lived in houses made of logs and bark. The forests of Eastern North America were rich in trees, animals, plants, and rainfall. Men hunted, and women gathered. Women also burned away areas to farm corn, squash Europeans want the ports on the coast, wood, and furs

Plateau Indians Known for their weaving skills Mountainous with dense forests, with the central part flat and dry Built villages around rivers with plentiful food, esp salmon. Homes were built with a pit to keep cool/warm Known for their weaving skills Europeans want the fish, furs, and woven items.

Great Basin Indians Very dry with extreme temperatures, could sustain little life, so people lived and moved in small groups. Europeans wanted the area for control of land, but little else

Southwest Indians Many environments (mesas, rivers, mountains, desserts), but little rain Mesa Peoples Pueblo peoples built multistoried houses out of adobe (mud and straw bricks). Housing 1,000s Used cotton to weave cloth, and plants to dye it Grew corn, beans, squash near streams and irrigation ditches bc little rain Make cornmeal Europeans make money from controlling more of the Americas and for the cloth and corn.

California Indians Coastal villages on the side of the mountain ranges. The most diverse region with the most groups existing in it. Ate mainly salmon, seafood, deer and rabbits further from the coast Were fine weavers. Europeans want the fish, and coast for trade.

Southeast Indians Fertile land, that they grew crops in easily along the coast. Grew corn, squash, sunflower, beans. Built mounds: some are funeral, other temples, some in designs, but always important to the tribe and their culture. Europeans wanted the coast to trade, lumber, crops, and furs.

Cirum-Caribbean Indians Taino tribes are one first to meet Europeans. Live on the Islands, where they fish, hunt, and farm. Use Palm trees as a primary material Europeans like because of the growing season, they make them slaves and grow tobacco and sugarcane

Mesoamerican Indians Some of the first to meet Europeans Inca: In South America along the Andes Mountains Largest empire and was extremely organized Terraced the steep hills, added irrigation to farm corn, beans, cotton, squash, potatoes, and raise llama/alpaca. Had a road system with rope bridges

Mesoamerican Indians Mayans: In modern day Mexico Skilled farmers, built terraces and carried rich soil from rivers to grow food. Traded their extra food with other tribes Built massive stone cities, with step pyramid temples. Developed a 365 day calendar, skilled mathematicians, scientists, Pretty weak when Europeans show up, trade crops with them. Europeans want gold though.

Mesoamerican Indians Aztec: Present day Mexico Built Tenochtitlan, upon a swamp! With causeways, aquaducts (for water), bridges Fierce, and known for human sacrifice Traded far distances with other tribes Europeans want gold, but settle for slaves and crops Montezuma welcomes Cortez into the city and the Europeans loot it! They kill Monte then.

Native American Religion Native Americans believed that everything in God’s creation had a spirit. They lived in a way that respected the Spirit of everything. Holy Men, or Shamans, were important to the tribe.

Natives did not understand the concept of property ownership. They believed that a man could not own the land. This belief would not serve them well in their dealings with the European settlers. Also, the Native Americans did not join together for political purposes. This would make them weaker when trying to make “deals” or wage war with governments.