Final answer:
Trading places with a Plains Indian in the late 1700s would mean embracing a life deeply connected to nature and community but also facing the imminent hardships brought by the arrival of Anglo settlers, leading to conflicts and a loss of traditional ways of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Considering whether to trade places with a Plains Indian born in the late 1700s is a complex thought experiment that involves reflecting on historical context. Life during this time for the Plains Indians was deeply connected with the environment, including following buffalo herds, hunting, fishing, and spending a considerable amount of time with extended family, living with little to no worries apart from the daily needs which nature generously met. However, the arrival of Anglo settlers drastically changed the lives of the Plains Indians, as these settlers brought with them concepts of individual property ownership and an aggressive drive for acquisition, which clashed with the communal and nomadic lifestyle of the native tribes. This ultimately led to conflict, drastic changes in the traditional way of life for the natives, and the consequential loss of their lands. Considering a switch to this lifestyle requires careful contemplation of these historical realities and the imminent hardships and transformations faced by these communities.