Give Me Liberty: Chapter 1

Describe some of the features of the Native American cultures and societal features the Europeans encountered.

Irrigation, trade networks, large structures, populated cities, roads and bridges.

Explain why Europeans thought that the Native Americans were “backward” and therefore Europeans were “justified” in conquest. 

Native Americans laced technology such as metal tools, machines, gunpowder, long distance shipping and many other things Europeans had mastered. 

Describe some of the developments of the early civilizations, north of Mexico;

Large mounds, evidence of trading (copper and flint) 

Describe how the Indians living in Eastern North America were different from the Aztecs and Incas of Central and South America.

Smaller tribes, more scattered, some agriculture and hunting.  Little central authority

Why did some tribes create confederations?

A: Create peace and stability

What is the biggest feature of North American Native Americans?

Their diversity - language, customs, religions, political systems, etc.  

What are some commonalities among Native American religious characteristics?

Spiritual power filled the world, ceremonies related to farming and hunting - animism.

What did Indian religions tend to do?

Blended the natural and secular (worldly - not subject to religion)

Describe Native American views on land and property

Land was a common resource for people to use

Describe Native Americans views on material goods and social distinctions

Native Americans generally did not prioritize wealth accumulation, with leaders sharing goods, and some societies using ceremonial gift exchange to mark social distinctions.

Describe how most Indian societies were different from European societies.

Most Indian societies were matrilineal, with male leaders often selected by women, and traditional gender roles saw men as hunters while women managed household and agricultural tasks.

Describe how Europeans tended to view the Native Americans.  Why did they feel this way?

Initially as Noble Savages. Eventually barbaric - religion, land use and gender relations

What rationale did Europeans use to take Native’s land? 

Indians had not “used” the land

How did Europeans view the gender roles of the Native Americans

Hunting is a leisure activity - Indian men were unmanly - women ruled over them