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2.5 Interactions between Native Americans and Europeans

7 min readjanuary 2, 2023

Milo Chang

Milo Chang

J

James Glackin

Milo Chang

Milo Chang

J

James Glackin

Introduction

and expansion into would lead to both accomodations and conflict with the who lived there. The natives had established settlements and a lifestyle for thousands of years in before European arrival. The , , , and would all eventually expand into .

The dynamics of these interactions were shaped by a variety of factors, including the competition between European powers for control of territory and resources, the desire of Native American groups to gain access to and , and the complex political and that shaped relations between different Native American groups.

Initially, Europeans and established friendly relations and exchanged products while sharing the same land. But by the early 1600’s, conflicts would erupt over land, resources, and cultural beliefs. Some of these conflicts over land and resources would also take place between different native tribes, such as the and the .

Trade was an important part of the exchanges between Europeans and . Native in the North would be exchanged for European guns, , , and

Tribes like the became heavily armed from this and had an advantage over other tribes that did not engage in . Native American tribes often sought out alliances with Europeans as a means of strengthening their own power and position against other Native American groups.

The most dramatic effect of this transatlantic contact was the spread of disease. Over time, millions of natives in the Americas would die from exposure to European and other lethal diseases did not have an immmunity against these new European diseases. 

Some of the most significant diseases that were introduced to Native American populations by European colonizers included , , , and . These diseases spread rapidly through Native American communities, causing high mortality rates and leading to significant .

In addition to the direct impacts of these diseases on Native American communities, they also had broader impacts on Native American societies and cultures. The loss of large numbers of people to disease had a destabilizing effect on Native American communities, leading to social and political changes that had far-reaching consequences.

Relations in New England

Relations between the and the local Wampanoag Indians in the early 1600’s were friendly.  signed a with the in 1621, which led to the first and exchanges of food.

However, English expansion and their settlements led Massasoit’s son, , also called King Philip by the English, to forge an Indian alliance to counter this white encroachment upon native lands. King Philip’s War (1675-1677) would devastate both the frontier and Indian-European relations.

The conflict was sparked by a number of issues, including English expansion into Native American lands and the English refusal to respect Native American sovereignty. These tensions eventually erupted into open warfare, and the conflict quickly spread throughout the region, involving a number of different Native American groups and English colonies.

The lost this war with many casualties. Numerous towns were destroyed. King Philip was beheaded while his wife and son were sold as slaves. This was the last Indian threat to colonists.

The also witnessed confrontation between English settlers and the local Pequot Indians. 

One of the main sources of tension between the Pequot and the English was over control of land and resources. The Pequot had traditionally occupied and used the land in the , and they resisted English efforts to claim it for themselves. This led to a series of confrontations between the two groups, as the English sought to expand their settlements and the Pequot sought to defend their lands.

The conflict eventually escalated into open warfare, and the English launched a major military campaign against the Pequot in 1637. The war was marked by brutal fighting and widespread destruction, and the English emerged victorious. The English and their torched Pequot villages and decimated the Pequot population. 

Relations in the Middle Colonies 

The was one of the largest native nations on the continent. They had an organized government, were armed with European guns, and trapped and other pelts in upstate New York and Pennsylvania. They allied themselves with the against the and their native allies, the .  

The of the 1640’s saw the fight the and the Hurons over beaver pelts and hunting land rights in the . The wanted to control the beaver trade, which was a lucrative source of income for Native American groups in the region.

The began in the 1640s and continued for over a century. They were characterized by a series of raids, ambushes, and battles between the and their enemies. The were aided by their allies, the and the , who provided them with weapons and other forms of support.

During the , the were able to expand their territory and establish dominance over other Native American groups in the region. The defeated numerous other Native American tribes during this time and chased them out of their lands. They also became a major power in the beaver trade, which allowed them to acquire wealth and influence.

The were able to maintain their dominance over other Native American groups in the region, but they also faced increasing pressure from European colonizers, who were expanding westward and encroaching on territory.

In Pennsylvania, Native American and European relations were much friendlier, thanks to founder . Penn was a Quaker and believed in treating with respect and fairness. He formed a close relationship with the , the local Native American group, and worked to establish a peaceful coexistence between the two groups.

Penn purchased land from the and established treaties with them that recognized their sovereignty and granted them certain rights. He also established a policy of non-violent conflict resolution and encouraged his fellow colonists to adopt a similar approach. Penn and the established peaceful relations with many local tribes, even though these tribes were controlled by the

However, the and other Europeans would expand westward and create conflict with the natives. By 1740, relations soured and many tribes were decimated. As the moved into the , they came into conflict with Native American groups such as the , who resisted their expansion. These conflicts often involved violent clashes and resulted in significant losses for Native American groups.

Relations in the Southern Colonies

When the English settled in 1607 in , they met and the numerous local tribes that were part of . As with many initial Native American-European encounters, relations began amicably but soured quickly. Food was scarce in the Chesapeake and colonists began raiding Powhatan food supplies.

A series of wars broke out between the Anglos and Powhatans from 1610-1646. The Governor of , (yes, Delaware got its name from this English noble) imposed harsh tactics against the Powhatans. His soldiers torched cornfields and Powhatan houses while systematically eliminating the Powhatans.

Disease and the English desire to wipe out these Indians from caused the extinction of the Powhatans.  Also, the fact that these natives could not be used as laborers in the made them disposable. As a result, the of 1646 created a distinctive white settlement in .

Elsewhere, the of the coastal Carolinas were crushed by white settlers by 1710. The of Newbern, North Carolina were also defeated by white settlers by 1711, with many being sold as slaves.  Those remaining would become part of the . The would remain in the interior for another fifty years.  

Relations in the Spanish Colonies

The was a major uprising that took place in the of in 1680. It was led by a coalition of Native American groups, including the Pueblo, , and , who were fed up with the harsh treatment they had received at the hands of colonial authorities.

The rebellion was triggered by a number of factors, including the forced conversion of to , the imposition of heavy taxes and labor demands, and the interference of officials in American Indian politics. The revolt was successful in driving the out of the region for a period of time, and led to a period of relative autonomy for the Native American groups involved.

The had significant implications for the history of the , as it marked a turning point in the relationship between Native American groups and European colonizers. It also had broader implications for the development of North American colonialism, as it demonstrated the potential for American Indian resistance to European expansion and the need for European powers to adopt more accommodative policies in order to maintain their presence in the region.

Key Terms to Review (60)

Appalachian region

: The Appalachian region is a geographic area that stretches from the southern tier of New York to northern Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. It's known for its mountain range, the Appalachian Mountains.

Beaver Furs

: Beaver furs were highly valued during colonial times due to their warmth and water resistance. They became a significant commodity in North America's fur trade.

Beaver Wars

: The Beaver Wars, also known as the Iroquois Wars or French and Iroquois Wars, were a series of conflicts fought in the late 17th century in eastern North America. They were primarily driven by the desire to control the fur trade, particularly beaver pelts.

British

: The term "British" refers to anything related to the United Kingdom, particularly England. In AP US History, it often refers to the English settlers and government during the colonial period and Revolutionary War.

Catholicism

: Catholicism is a branch of Christianity led by the Pope based in Vatican City. It's characterized by its sacraments, liturgical worship services, and adherence to papal authority.

Cherokee

: The Cherokee are a Native American people historically settled in the Southeastern woodlands, who were forcibly relocated westward to Oklahoma on what became known as 'The Trail of Tears.'

Cherokee and Creeks

: The Cherokee and Creek are two distinct Native American tribes originally located in southeastern United States. Both played significant roles during European colonization.

Chief Massasoit

: Chief Massasoit was a leader of the Wampanoag tribe when English settlers arrived at Plymouth. He is best known for establishing peaceful relations with those settlers.

Chief Powhatan

: Leader of a network of tribes known as Powhatan's Confederacy located around Chesapeake Bay area when English settlers arrived. He had significant interactions with Jamestown settlers.

Connecticut Valley

: The Connecticut Valley is a region in New England where the Connecticut River flows through four states - Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Cultural dynamics

: Cultural dynamics refers to how cultures change over time due to internal developments or external influences such as migration, war, or trade.

Dutch

: Relating to Netherlands. In an AP US History context, this typically refers to Dutch exploration and colonization efforts in North America.

European Technology

: This refers to the tools, methods, and systems developed in Europe that were brought to America during exploration and colonization. These include advancements in navigation, weaponry, agriculture, etc.

European Trade

: This refers to the economic activities and exchanges that took place between Europe and other parts of the world, particularly during the Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries). It involved goods, people (including slaves), and ideas.

French

: Pertaining to France. In AP US History context, this usually refers to France's role in North America including its colonial presence and involvement in various wars.

Glass Beads

: Small, decorative objects made of glass that were often used as a form of currency or trade goods by European explorers and colonists in their interactions with Native American tribes.

Hopi

: The Hopi are a Native American tribe traditionally living in what is now northeastern Arizona. They are known for their agricultural skills, particularly corn farming, and their complex religious and social order.

Huron

: The Huron were a group of Native American tribes who lived in the northeastern part of North America, primarily in what is now Ontario, Canada. They were known for their farming and trading skills.

Indian Territory

: This term refers to an area in present-day Oklahoma where Native American tribes were relocated following the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Influenza

: Influenza, often referred to as flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. It's known for causing seasonal epidemics almost every winter.

Iroquois

: The Iroquois were a powerful Native American confederacy in North America, consisting of six tribes: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. They played a significant role in colonial-era politics and warfare.

Iroquois Confederacy

: The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Five Nations or Six Nations after the Tuscarora joined, was a powerful alliance of Native American tribes in the northeastern part of North America before and during the colonial period.

Jamestown

: Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607 by the Virginia Company of London.

King Philip's War

: King Philip's War (1675-1676) was a conflict between Native American tribes and English settlers in New England. The war was named after the Wampanoag chief Metacom, known as King Philip to the English.

Lenni Lenape

: Also known as Delaware Indians, Lenni Lenape are Native Americans originally inhabiting New Jersey, Delaware river valley area, Western Long Island, and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Lord De La Warr

: Lord De La Warr was an Englishman who arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in 1610. He imposed a harsh military regime on the colony and defeated the Native American tribes with his "Irish tactics."

Measles

: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, cough, and a rash. It was common in the United States until a vaccine was developed in the 1960s.

Metacom

: Also known as King Philip, he was a Native American leader of the Wampanoag tribe who led an uprising against white settlers known as King Philip's War from 1675-1676.

Metal Tools

: Tools made from metal, often iron or steel. These were introduced by European settlers and traders to Native American tribes like the Huron, who found them superior to traditional stone tools.

Middle Colonies

: The Middle Colonies were one part of three regional classifications within British Colonial America - New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. They were known for their diversity, rich soil and successful farming.

Narragansett Indian allies

: The Narragansett were a Native American tribe from the Rhode Island region. They were notable for their alliance with English settlers during the Pequot War and King Philip's War.

Native Americans

: Native Americans are indigenous peoples who inhabited North America before European exploration and colonization. They include various tribes with diverse cultures spread across different regions.

New England

: New England is a region located in the northeastern part of the United States consisting of six states - Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. It was among the earliest English settlements in America.

North America

: North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It includes countries like Canada, United States, Mexico and many smaller states in Central America and Caribbean islands.

Ohio Valley

: The Ohio Valley is a region along the Ohio River in northeastern United States. It was an area rich with resources and thus became a site of contention among British settlers, French colonists and Native Americans during colonial times.

Peace treaty

: A peace treaty is an agreement between two or more hostile parties, usually countries or governments, which formally ends a state of war between the parties.

Pequot Indians

: The Pequot Indians are a Native American tribe from the state of Connecticut. They were known for their conflict with English settlers in the 1630s known as the Pequot War.

Pilgrims

: The Pilgrims were a group of English Puritans who set sail for the New World in 1620. They sought religious freedom and established the Plymouth Colony in what is now Massachusetts.

Population declines

: Population declines refer to a decrease in the number of individuals within a species or population over time. In history, this often refers to human populations and can be due to various factors such as disease, war, migration, or environmental changes.

Powhatan’s Confederacy

: A group of Native American tribes under the leadership of Chief Powhatan during the time of the Jamestown settlement. The confederacy consisted of about 30 tribes with a population of about 15,000.

Pueblo Revolt

: The Pueblo Revolt was an uprising in 1680 by the Pueblo Indians against Spanish colonizers in the province of Santa Fe de Nuevo México, present-day New Mexico.

Puritans

: Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to purify the Church of England from its "Catholic" practices, maintaining that the Church was only partially reformed.

Quakers

: The Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, are a religious group that emerged in England during the 17th century. They believe in the doctrine of inner light or sense of Christ's direct working in the soul.

Savannah Indians

: The Savannah Indians were a group of Native American tribes in the southeastern United States. They had complex social structures and were known for their trade networks.

Scots-Irish

: The Scots-Irish refers to people who were originally from Scotland but had lived in Ireland before migrating to America during colonial times.

Smallpox

: Smallpox is a highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the variola virus. It was introduced to the Americas by European explorers, leading to massive death tolls among indigenous populations who had no immunity.

Southern Colonies

: These were five British colonies located south along Atlantic coast - Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. They were known for their agricultural economy, particularly tobacco and rice cultivation.

Southwest Region

: The Southwest Region in the context of AP US History refers to the geographical area that includes states like Arizona, New Mexico, parts of Texas and Oklahoma. This region was home to Native American tribes such as the Navajo, Apache, and Pueblo.

Spanish

: In the context of AP US History, "Spanish" refers to the people from Spain who explored, colonized, and influenced parts of North America during the Age of Exploration.

Spanish Colonies

: These were territories claimed and governed by Spain across the globe during the Age of Exploration, including large parts of North and South America.

Textiles

: Textiles refer to any type of material made through weaving, knitting, spreading, crocheting or bonding that may be used in the production of further goods.

Thanksgiving celebration

: Thanksgiving is an annual national holiday marked by religious observances and celebrated with traditional meals including turkey. The holiday commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621.

Tobacco Fields

: Tobacco fields refer to large tracts of land cultivated specifically for growing tobacco, which became a major cash crop in colonial America, particularly in Virginia and Maryland.

Trade goods

: Trade goods refer to items that are produced with the intention of exchanging them for other items rather than personal use. In history, these often include commodities like spices, textiles, and precious metals.

Tuscaroras

: The Tuscaroras are a Native American tribe from the northeastern part of North Carolina and southern part of Virginia. They were one of the largest tribes in the Southeast during colonial times.

Typhus

: Typhus is any one of several similar diseases caused by Rickettsia bacteria. Symptoms include high fever, headache, chills, and rash. It's often spread to humans through contact with infected fleas and ticks.

Virginia

: One of the 13 original colonies, Virginia was established by the London Company in 1607. It played a significant role in the early history of America, including being the location of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement.

Wampanoag Indians

: The Wampanoag Indians are a Native American tribe from the northeastern region of North America, specifically in what is now Massachusetts and Rhode Island. They were key players in the early interactions between Native Americans and English settlers.

William Penn

: An English Quaker leader who founded the colony of Pennsylvania in 1681. He aimed to create a place where people could enjoy religious freedom and live in peace.

Zuni

: The Zuni are Native American Pueblo peoples native to the Zuni River valley in western New Mexico, near the Arizona border.

2.5 Interactions between Native Americans and Europeans

7 min readjanuary 2, 2023

Milo Chang

Milo Chang

J

James Glackin

Milo Chang

Milo Chang

J

James Glackin

Introduction

and expansion into would lead to both accomodations and conflict with the who lived there. The natives had established settlements and a lifestyle for thousands of years in before European arrival. The , , , and would all eventually expand into .

The dynamics of these interactions were shaped by a variety of factors, including the competition between European powers for control of territory and resources, the desire of Native American groups to gain access to and , and the complex political and that shaped relations between different Native American groups.

Initially, Europeans and established friendly relations and exchanged products while sharing the same land. But by the early 1600’s, conflicts would erupt over land, resources, and cultural beliefs. Some of these conflicts over land and resources would also take place between different native tribes, such as the and the .

Trade was an important part of the exchanges between Europeans and . Native in the North would be exchanged for European guns, , , and

Tribes like the became heavily armed from this and had an advantage over other tribes that did not engage in . Native American tribes often sought out alliances with Europeans as a means of strengthening their own power and position against other Native American groups.

The most dramatic effect of this transatlantic contact was the spread of disease. Over time, millions of natives in the Americas would die from exposure to European and other lethal diseases did not have an immmunity against these new European diseases. 

Some of the most significant diseases that were introduced to Native American populations by European colonizers included , , , and . These diseases spread rapidly through Native American communities, causing high mortality rates and leading to significant .

In addition to the direct impacts of these diseases on Native American communities, they also had broader impacts on Native American societies and cultures. The loss of large numbers of people to disease had a destabilizing effect on Native American communities, leading to social and political changes that had far-reaching consequences.

Relations in New England

Relations between the and the local Wampanoag Indians in the early 1600’s were friendly.  signed a with the in 1621, which led to the first and exchanges of food.

However, English expansion and their settlements led Massasoit’s son, , also called King Philip by the English, to forge an Indian alliance to counter this white encroachment upon native lands. King Philip’s War (1675-1677) would devastate both the frontier and Indian-European relations.

The conflict was sparked by a number of issues, including English expansion into Native American lands and the English refusal to respect Native American sovereignty. These tensions eventually erupted into open warfare, and the conflict quickly spread throughout the region, involving a number of different Native American groups and English colonies.

The lost this war with many casualties. Numerous towns were destroyed. King Philip was beheaded while his wife and son were sold as slaves. This was the last Indian threat to colonists.

The also witnessed confrontation between English settlers and the local Pequot Indians. 

One of the main sources of tension between the Pequot and the English was over control of land and resources. The Pequot had traditionally occupied and used the land in the , and they resisted English efforts to claim it for themselves. This led to a series of confrontations between the two groups, as the English sought to expand their settlements and the Pequot sought to defend their lands.

The conflict eventually escalated into open warfare, and the English launched a major military campaign against the Pequot in 1637. The war was marked by brutal fighting and widespread destruction, and the English emerged victorious. The English and their torched Pequot villages and decimated the Pequot population. 

Relations in the Middle Colonies 

The was one of the largest native nations on the continent. They had an organized government, were armed with European guns, and trapped and other pelts in upstate New York and Pennsylvania. They allied themselves with the against the and their native allies, the .  

The of the 1640’s saw the fight the and the Hurons over beaver pelts and hunting land rights in the . The wanted to control the beaver trade, which was a lucrative source of income for Native American groups in the region.

The began in the 1640s and continued for over a century. They were characterized by a series of raids, ambushes, and battles between the and their enemies. The were aided by their allies, the and the , who provided them with weapons and other forms of support.

During the , the were able to expand their territory and establish dominance over other Native American groups in the region. The defeated numerous other Native American tribes during this time and chased them out of their lands. They also became a major power in the beaver trade, which allowed them to acquire wealth and influence.

The were able to maintain their dominance over other Native American groups in the region, but they also faced increasing pressure from European colonizers, who were expanding westward and encroaching on territory.

In Pennsylvania, Native American and European relations were much friendlier, thanks to founder . Penn was a Quaker and believed in treating with respect and fairness. He formed a close relationship with the , the local Native American group, and worked to establish a peaceful coexistence between the two groups.

Penn purchased land from the and established treaties with them that recognized their sovereignty and granted them certain rights. He also established a policy of non-violent conflict resolution and encouraged his fellow colonists to adopt a similar approach. Penn and the established peaceful relations with many local tribes, even though these tribes were controlled by the

However, the and other Europeans would expand westward and create conflict with the natives. By 1740, relations soured and many tribes were decimated. As the moved into the , they came into conflict with Native American groups such as the , who resisted their expansion. These conflicts often involved violent clashes and resulted in significant losses for Native American groups.

Relations in the Southern Colonies

When the English settled in 1607 in , they met and the numerous local tribes that were part of . As with many initial Native American-European encounters, relations began amicably but soured quickly. Food was scarce in the Chesapeake and colonists began raiding Powhatan food supplies.

A series of wars broke out between the Anglos and Powhatans from 1610-1646. The Governor of , (yes, Delaware got its name from this English noble) imposed harsh tactics against the Powhatans. His soldiers torched cornfields and Powhatan houses while systematically eliminating the Powhatans.

Disease and the English desire to wipe out these Indians from caused the extinction of the Powhatans.  Also, the fact that these natives could not be used as laborers in the made them disposable. As a result, the of 1646 created a distinctive white settlement in .

Elsewhere, the of the coastal Carolinas were crushed by white settlers by 1710. The of Newbern, North Carolina were also defeated by white settlers by 1711, with many being sold as slaves.  Those remaining would become part of the . The would remain in the interior for another fifty years.  

Relations in the Spanish Colonies

The was a major uprising that took place in the of in 1680. It was led by a coalition of Native American groups, including the Pueblo, , and , who were fed up with the harsh treatment they had received at the hands of colonial authorities.

The rebellion was triggered by a number of factors, including the forced conversion of to , the imposition of heavy taxes and labor demands, and the interference of officials in American Indian politics. The revolt was successful in driving the out of the region for a period of time, and led to a period of relative autonomy for the Native American groups involved.

The had significant implications for the history of the , as it marked a turning point in the relationship between Native American groups and European colonizers. It also had broader implications for the development of North American colonialism, as it demonstrated the potential for American Indian resistance to European expansion and the need for European powers to adopt more accommodative policies in order to maintain their presence in the region.

Key Terms to Review (60)

Appalachian region

: The Appalachian region is a geographic area that stretches from the southern tier of New York to northern Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. It's known for its mountain range, the Appalachian Mountains.

Beaver Furs

: Beaver furs were highly valued during colonial times due to their warmth and water resistance. They became a significant commodity in North America's fur trade.

Beaver Wars

: The Beaver Wars, also known as the Iroquois Wars or French and Iroquois Wars, were a series of conflicts fought in the late 17th century in eastern North America. They were primarily driven by the desire to control the fur trade, particularly beaver pelts.

British

: The term "British" refers to anything related to the United Kingdom, particularly England. In AP US History, it often refers to the English settlers and government during the colonial period and Revolutionary War.

Catholicism

: Catholicism is a branch of Christianity led by the Pope based in Vatican City. It's characterized by its sacraments, liturgical worship services, and adherence to papal authority.

Cherokee

: The Cherokee are a Native American people historically settled in the Southeastern woodlands, who were forcibly relocated westward to Oklahoma on what became known as 'The Trail of Tears.'

Cherokee and Creeks

: The Cherokee and Creek are two distinct Native American tribes originally located in southeastern United States. Both played significant roles during European colonization.

Chief Massasoit

: Chief Massasoit was a leader of the Wampanoag tribe when English settlers arrived at Plymouth. He is best known for establishing peaceful relations with those settlers.

Chief Powhatan

: Leader of a network of tribes known as Powhatan's Confederacy located around Chesapeake Bay area when English settlers arrived. He had significant interactions with Jamestown settlers.

Connecticut Valley

: The Connecticut Valley is a region in New England where the Connecticut River flows through four states - Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Cultural dynamics

: Cultural dynamics refers to how cultures change over time due to internal developments or external influences such as migration, war, or trade.

Dutch

: Relating to Netherlands. In an AP US History context, this typically refers to Dutch exploration and colonization efforts in North America.

European Technology

: This refers to the tools, methods, and systems developed in Europe that were brought to America during exploration and colonization. These include advancements in navigation, weaponry, agriculture, etc.

European Trade

: This refers to the economic activities and exchanges that took place between Europe and other parts of the world, particularly during the Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries). It involved goods, people (including slaves), and ideas.

French

: Pertaining to France. In AP US History context, this usually refers to France's role in North America including its colonial presence and involvement in various wars.

Glass Beads

: Small, decorative objects made of glass that were often used as a form of currency or trade goods by European explorers and colonists in their interactions with Native American tribes.

Hopi

: The Hopi are a Native American tribe traditionally living in what is now northeastern Arizona. They are known for their agricultural skills, particularly corn farming, and their complex religious and social order.

Huron

: The Huron were a group of Native American tribes who lived in the northeastern part of North America, primarily in what is now Ontario, Canada. They were known for their farming and trading skills.

Indian Territory

: This term refers to an area in present-day Oklahoma where Native American tribes were relocated following the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Influenza

: Influenza, often referred to as flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. It's known for causing seasonal epidemics almost every winter.

Iroquois

: The Iroquois were a powerful Native American confederacy in North America, consisting of six tribes: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. They played a significant role in colonial-era politics and warfare.

Iroquois Confederacy

: The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Five Nations or Six Nations after the Tuscarora joined, was a powerful alliance of Native American tribes in the northeastern part of North America before and during the colonial period.

Jamestown

: Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607 by the Virginia Company of London.

King Philip's War

: King Philip's War (1675-1676) was a conflict between Native American tribes and English settlers in New England. The war was named after the Wampanoag chief Metacom, known as King Philip to the English.

Lenni Lenape

: Also known as Delaware Indians, Lenni Lenape are Native Americans originally inhabiting New Jersey, Delaware river valley area, Western Long Island, and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Lord De La Warr

: Lord De La Warr was an Englishman who arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in 1610. He imposed a harsh military regime on the colony and defeated the Native American tribes with his "Irish tactics."

Measles

: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, cough, and a rash. It was common in the United States until a vaccine was developed in the 1960s.

Metacom

: Also known as King Philip, he was a Native American leader of the Wampanoag tribe who led an uprising against white settlers known as King Philip's War from 1675-1676.

Metal Tools

: Tools made from metal, often iron or steel. These were introduced by European settlers and traders to Native American tribes like the Huron, who found them superior to traditional stone tools.

Middle Colonies

: The Middle Colonies were one part of three regional classifications within British Colonial America - New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. They were known for their diversity, rich soil and successful farming.

Narragansett Indian allies

: The Narragansett were a Native American tribe from the Rhode Island region. They were notable for their alliance with English settlers during the Pequot War and King Philip's War.

Native Americans

: Native Americans are indigenous peoples who inhabited North America before European exploration and colonization. They include various tribes with diverse cultures spread across different regions.

New England

: New England is a region located in the northeastern part of the United States consisting of six states - Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. It was among the earliest English settlements in America.

North America

: North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It includes countries like Canada, United States, Mexico and many smaller states in Central America and Caribbean islands.

Ohio Valley

: The Ohio Valley is a region along the Ohio River in northeastern United States. It was an area rich with resources and thus became a site of contention among British settlers, French colonists and Native Americans during colonial times.

Peace treaty

: A peace treaty is an agreement between two or more hostile parties, usually countries or governments, which formally ends a state of war between the parties.

Pequot Indians

: The Pequot Indians are a Native American tribe from the state of Connecticut. They were known for their conflict with English settlers in the 1630s known as the Pequot War.

Pilgrims

: The Pilgrims were a group of English Puritans who set sail for the New World in 1620. They sought religious freedom and established the Plymouth Colony in what is now Massachusetts.

Population declines

: Population declines refer to a decrease in the number of individuals within a species or population over time. In history, this often refers to human populations and can be due to various factors such as disease, war, migration, or environmental changes.

Powhatan’s Confederacy

: A group of Native American tribes under the leadership of Chief Powhatan during the time of the Jamestown settlement. The confederacy consisted of about 30 tribes with a population of about 15,000.

Pueblo Revolt

: The Pueblo Revolt was an uprising in 1680 by the Pueblo Indians against Spanish colonizers in the province of Santa Fe de Nuevo México, present-day New Mexico.

Puritans

: Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to purify the Church of England from its "Catholic" practices, maintaining that the Church was only partially reformed.

Quakers

: The Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, are a religious group that emerged in England during the 17th century. They believe in the doctrine of inner light or sense of Christ's direct working in the soul.

Savannah Indians

: The Savannah Indians were a group of Native American tribes in the southeastern United States. They had complex social structures and were known for their trade networks.

Scots-Irish

: The Scots-Irish refers to people who were originally from Scotland but had lived in Ireland before migrating to America during colonial times.

Smallpox

: Smallpox is a highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the variola virus. It was introduced to the Americas by European explorers, leading to massive death tolls among indigenous populations who had no immunity.

Southern Colonies

: These were five British colonies located south along Atlantic coast - Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. They were known for their agricultural economy, particularly tobacco and rice cultivation.

Southwest Region

: The Southwest Region in the context of AP US History refers to the geographical area that includes states like Arizona, New Mexico, parts of Texas and Oklahoma. This region was home to Native American tribes such as the Navajo, Apache, and Pueblo.

Spanish

: In the context of AP US History, "Spanish" refers to the people from Spain who explored, colonized, and influenced parts of North America during the Age of Exploration.

Spanish Colonies

: These were territories claimed and governed by Spain across the globe during the Age of Exploration, including large parts of North and South America.

Textiles

: Textiles refer to any type of material made through weaving, knitting, spreading, crocheting or bonding that may be used in the production of further goods.

Thanksgiving celebration

: Thanksgiving is an annual national holiday marked by religious observances and celebrated with traditional meals including turkey. The holiday commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621.

Tobacco Fields

: Tobacco fields refer to large tracts of land cultivated specifically for growing tobacco, which became a major cash crop in colonial America, particularly in Virginia and Maryland.

Trade goods

: Trade goods refer to items that are produced with the intention of exchanging them for other items rather than personal use. In history, these often include commodities like spices, textiles, and precious metals.

Tuscaroras

: The Tuscaroras are a Native American tribe from the northeastern part of North Carolina and southern part of Virginia. They were one of the largest tribes in the Southeast during colonial times.

Typhus

: Typhus is any one of several similar diseases caused by Rickettsia bacteria. Symptoms include high fever, headache, chills, and rash. It's often spread to humans through contact with infected fleas and ticks.

Virginia

: One of the 13 original colonies, Virginia was established by the London Company in 1607. It played a significant role in the early history of America, including being the location of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement.

Wampanoag Indians

: The Wampanoag Indians are a Native American tribe from the northeastern region of North America, specifically in what is now Massachusetts and Rhode Island. They were key players in the early interactions between Native Americans and English settlers.

William Penn

: An English Quaker leader who founded the colony of Pennsylvania in 1681. He aimed to create a place where people could enjoy religious freedom and live in peace.

Zuni

: The Zuni are Native American Pueblo peoples native to the Zuni River valley in western New Mexico, near the Arizona border.


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.