Question

The late 1400s through the early 1600s was a time of exploration and early settlement of several European colonies. Each European country had different reasons for their exploration and settlement, but all encountered native Americans during their exploration, growth, and development. Write a paragraph that compares and contrast the relationship of the native Americans with the Europeans including the Spanish, French, Dutch, and English.

Answer 1

As the Americas were explored by European countries, different cultures interacted in unique ways with the natives already present in the Americas. One example is the alliance between the French and the natives. The French realized that the natives were able to catch animals and skin them for furs better than the French. So, they made a trade agreement with the natives in order to create a profit. They were treated as equals and it was less exploitive than other relationships. On the other hand, when the Spanish, specifically Christopher Columbus, came to America they massacred the natives. After taking their land and gold, Columbus murdered thousands of native Americans. This represents how different countries treated the native Americans.