archaic and late archaic periods

What was the climate like during the Archaic Period (around 8,000–3,000 years ago)?

The climate became warmer after the Ice Age, leading to forests replacing tundra.

How did Indigenous people adapt to the new environment during the Archaic Period?

They adapted to new environments with rivers, forests, and coastlines, and began hunting smaller animals like deer and fish instead of large Ice Age mammals.

What tools and living arrangements characterized the Archaic Period?

People used stone tools such as axes, spear points, and scrapers, and lived in small family groups, moving seasonally to follow food sources.

What key changes occurred during the Late Archaic Period (around 4,000–3,000 years ago)?

• Population grew, leading people to stay longer in one place.

• Trade increased, with groups exchanging materials like stone, shells, and copper.

• Stronger shelters were built, and cooking methods using fire and pottery were developed.

• Canoes and nets were used for fishing, and hunting occurred in forested areas.

• Environmental changes, such as a warmer climate and sea-level rise, shaped their lives and diets.

How did Indigenous peoples view and interact with the land?

Indigenous peoples viewed land as sacred and lived sustainably with it, using fire to manage forests, clear land, and promote plant growth. Rivers, coastlines, and forests provided food, tools, and travel routes.

How did the relationship between Indigenous people and the land evolve, and how was it later disrupted?

The relationship changed as populations grew and climates shifted. Later, early European settlers disrupted these systems through farming, deforestation, and trade.