North American Origins American Literature

Out of Africa Human life originated in Africa Groups of early humans migrated out, following herds of animals that they hunted The Ice Age allowed humans to pass through modern-day Russia and into Alaska and then North and South America As the Ice Age ended, early humans were able to settle and develop agriculture

Early Native American Tribes Hundreds of different Native American tribal groups developed in North America (562 recognized today) These tribes were culturally and linguistically diverse Cultural advancements of these tribes rivaled other cultures around the world (large cities, trade networks, systems of government).

European Contact When Europeans made contact in the late 15th century they brought disease 90% of Native Americans living in North America died off from disease within 100 years (approximately 20 million people) Superior European technology allowed remaining Natives to be conquered if they fought back

Early European Settlements Settlements like Jamestown would have surely failed had it not been for Native American intervention Different ideas of land ownership created conflicts Once Europeans had established themselves they relied on the Natives less and less European companies began doing everything they could to secure more land and trading networks

Assimilation Many Native tribes decided to work and trade with Europeans rather than fight back This led to an exchange of ideas, culture, and technology As Native Americans received formal educations they began to put into writing stories which had been passed down orally for centuries

Themes in Native American Literature Animism: the attribution of a soul in an inanimate object, animal, or force of nature Racism / Assimilation had a huge influence on Native American authors from the 17th century onwards Nature was a central theme in Native American literature; different regions focused on different animals / forces of nature