What happened between Europeans and Native Americans?
Europeans carried a hidden enemy to the Indians: new diseases. Native peoples of America had no immunity to the diseases that European explorers and colonists brought with them. Diseases such as smallpox, influenza, measles, and even chicken pox proved deadly to American Indians.
How did the Europeans influence Native Americans?
European colonization of North America had a devastating effect on the native population. Within a short period of time their way of life was changed forever. The changes were caused by a number of factors, including loss of land, disease, enforced laws which violated their culture and much more.
Are Europeans and Native Americans the same?
Native Americans and Northern Europeans more closely related than previously thought. Summary: Using genetic analyses, scientists have discovered that Northern European populations descend from a mixture of two very different ancestral populations, and one of these populations is related to Native Americans.
When did Europeans interact with Native Americans?
In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in the Caribbean, unlocking what Europeans quickly came to call the ‘New World’. Columbus encountered land with around two million inhabitants that was previously unknown to Europeans.
Why did Europeans try to convert natives?
The Europeans tried to convert them because they thought the natives had no God, but how were they to know that when they took no time to learn about the native culture? It is not safe to make assumptions about someone else’s culture when one has not taken the time to get to know it.
How did the settlers treat the Natives?
Initially, white colonists viewed Native Americans as helpful and friendly. They welcomed the Natives into their settlements, and the colonists willingly engaged in trade with them. They hoped to transform the tribes people into civilized Christians through their daily contacts.
What did the Europeans teach the Natives?
“They also taught how to navigate from place to place by water and over land, how to tan hides used for clothing, how to identify toxic plants and berries and explained the medicinal and culinary use of indigenous herbs.”
Did the Native Americans welcome the Europeans?
Native Americans generally greeted the newcomers with cautious hospitality and goodwill. They seem to have been impressed by the Europeans’ technology, particularly their ships, guns, and metal tools, but shocked by their appearance, language, and behavior.