SCRIPT:
"The beginning of the story of the Americas starts many years before the sailing of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. Although Europeans declared these new found lands the New World, millions of people had called this place home for generations, and in fact some people across the Atlantic had already visited the Americas before 1492. Nevertheless, the story of European colonization generally starts with one man. . .
Cristoforo Colombo also known as Christopher Columbus was an Italian, who became obsessed with the idea of sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean to reach what is known today as China. In 1492 He set sail with three Spanish ships toward his goal. In Columbus' day, educated people knew the earth was round, what was debated was it's size. Columbus actually misjudged the distance to China by over 6,000 miles! Luckily for Columbus he came across the islands of the Caribbean in just 30 days.... The inhabitants of these lands were not so lucky... Divine, Robert, et al., America: Past and Present. Pearson Longman. New York. 2007.
Taino: http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/1492/america.html - The largest group of people living in the islands of the Caribbean were the Taínos. Their villages were governed by chieftains, or caciques, who enjoyed some distinctions of rank but received tribute in times of crisis only. Related families lived together in large houses built of poles, mats, and thatch.
Aztec: Another group of people living in what Europeans called "The New World" were the Aztecs. Not long before Columbus' first voyage, the Aztecs swept thru the valley of Mexico, conquering the great cities of their enemies. Agricultural stability allowed the Natives of this area to structure their societies in more complex ways. In 1519, the Aztecs' largest city was Tenochtitlan, which contained 250,000 inhabitants. With such a great population, the Central American Indians formed governments which oversaw large areas, developed hieroglyphic writings and accurate solar calendars. Divine, Robert, et al., America: Past and Present. Pearson Longman. New York. 2007.
Iroquois: The Iroquois were an association of several tribes of indigenous people inhabiting the lands of present day New York state. Originally, each tribe was autonomous, but after European colonization in the 16th century, they came together in an association known today as the Five Nations. The Iroquois have a war torn past, which consisted of tribal skirmishes, and allied combat once Europeans invaded their homelands. Today, some historians argue that the Iroquois Confederation may have influenced the unionization of the United States... Encyclopedia of the Haudenosaunee pg.135. Greenwood Publishing Group. 2000. ISBN 9780313308802
Columbian Exchange: Cultural change was not the only effect on Native Americans' contact with Europeans. The ecological transformation known as the Columbian Exchange, profoundly affected both groups of people. Some aspects were beneficial, such as the introduction of new foods, animals, and tools. Other aspects were far more destructive, especially for Native Americans. The most immediate consequence was the biological toll placed on the Indians. They died in the millions when they were exposed to European diseases. Divine, Robert, et al., America: Past and Present. Pearson Longman. New York. 2007.
In the end, the Europeans were able to dominate the Native Americans. Though there were many diverse and strong groups, such as the Taino, Aztec, and Iroquois Indians, Europeans were able to pacify the Natives enough, whether purposefully by sword or unknowingly by disease, to claim the Americas as their own."
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The Columbian Exchangeby BlueTigerlillie3,199 views
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ahmed011301 1 month ago
Wrong! The Haudenosaunee people aka Iroquois came together a long time BEFORE contact with Europeans. Hmmm lets see about 1100's.
AkwesasneTurtle 7 months ago