The Americas

Prehistoric hunters from NE Asia arrived about 20,000 years ago in Alaska Over time groups adopted different ways of life based on local resources The diverse region reaches from the Arctic Circle in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south There are four geographical areas of the Americas N. America, S. America, Central America, & the Carribbean Central America is an isthmus that connects the N. & S. American Geography

Some scientists think people walked across a land bridge from Asia during the last Ice Age Evidence supports this claim with ancient tools and artifacts that show they were hunter/gatherers Other scientists argue that the first Americans arrived by boat on the Pacific Coast, eventually going inland Both theories support that the first Americans did not stay in once place Reaching America

Hunters and Gatherers / Beginning Agriculture First americans most likely lived in small groups that moved for food Hunter-gatherers used natural resources that were around them for food, clothing, and shelter The Ice Age ended and climate grew warmer and people learned to plant Farming began in Mesoamerica This area reaches from central Mexico to Costa Rica “Meso” comes from the Greek word meaning “middle” Mesoamerican geography was idea for farming Rich soil and mild climate Hunters and Gatherers / Beginning Agriculture

North American Peoples •The Inuit in the northernmost areas along the coasts of the Tundra region, hunted large animals. •In the Pacific Northwest, groups hunted and fished. •Some groups in the Southwest hunted and gathered, while others farmed the dry land using irrigation. •In the Great Plains, most groups were nomadic and depended on hunting buffalo for their survival. •In the Eastern Woodlands, groups farmed and formed complex societies. North American Peoples