Question

What is the most likely reason for the settlement of Native Americans along the Mississippi River?

A. The Mississippi provided food and transportation for its inhabitants.
B. The Mississippi River valley provided high ground for protection.
C. The Mississippi River valley was difficult to farm because of floods.
D. The Mississippi River valley was never settled by Native Americans.

Answer 1

Native Americans settled along the Mississippi River primarily for the river's ability to provide food and transportation. The river's fertile valley supported agriculture, hunting, and trade, leading to thriving settled communities. So, the correct option is A. The Mississippi provided food and transportation for its inhabitants.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely reason for the settlement of Native Americans along the Mississippi River is A.

The Mississippi provided food and transportation for its inhabitants.

The river and its fertile valley supported the development of settled agricultural communities, which were often built around earthen mounds.

These communities grew a variety of crops, took advantage of the lush natural resources such as fish and game, and established extensive trading networks.

Like the Nile for the ancient Egyptians, the Mississippi played a central role in feeding the population, allowing them to produce surplus crops, which led to increased populations and the development of larger urban centers.

Therefore, the correct option is A. The Mississippi provided food and transportation for its inhabitants.