Question

How did the difference in how the Europeans and Native Americans viewed land ownership affect how both groups viewed land treaties?

a) Europeans had a communal view, while Native Americans had a private ownership view.
b) Europeans had a private ownership view, while Native Americans had a communal view.
c) Both groups had the same view of land ownership.
d) Both groups had no concept of land ownership.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option b) Europeans had a private ownership view, while Native Americans had a communal view.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference in how Europeans and Native Americans viewed land ownership fundamentally impacted their perspectives on land treaties. While Europeans had a private ownership view of land, believing the land belonged to individuals who defined and demarcated their property with permanent structures and fences, Native Americans had a communal view.

They saw the land as a shared resource that was to be used by everyone within the community for the benefit of the group as a whole, moving seasonally to utilize resources effectively. This difference led to a profound misunderstanding and conflict over treaties, as the European view clashed with the Native American way of life, leading to dispossession and conflict over land.