European views

Definition

European views refer to the perspectives and attitudes held by European explorers, settlers, and colonizers towards Native Americans during the period of exploration and colonization in the Americas. These views were shaped by cultural, religious, and economic motivations and influenced the interactions between Europeans and Indigenous peoples, often resulting in misunderstandings, conflicts, and attempts at conversion or assimilation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Many Europeans viewed Native Americans as 'savages' or 'heathens,' which justified their colonization efforts as a means of civilizing Indigenous peoples.
2. The European perspective often emphasized land ownership and agriculture, leading to significant misunderstandings regarding Native American communal land practices.
3. Religious zeal was a driving force behind European views; many believed it was their divine duty to convert Indigenous populations to Christianity.
4. European views also led to violent conflicts as settlers sought to expand their territories, disregarding Native American claims to land.
5. These views contributed to the establishment of trade relationships but often resulted in exploitation and significant cultural disruption for Native American communities.

Review Questions

• How did European views influence the initial interactions between settlers and Native Americans?
  • European views significantly shaped initial interactions between settlers and Native Americans by creating a framework of misunderstanding. Europeans often perceived Indigenous peoples through a lens of superiority, viewing them as 'savages' in need of civilization. This mindset led to conflicts over land use and resources, as Europeans sought to impose their agricultural practices and land ownership concepts on societies that had different cultural norms regarding land use.
• Evaluate how Eurocentrism affected the portrayal of Native Americans in European writings and art during the colonization period.
  • Eurocentrism profoundly impacted the portrayal of Native Americans in European writings and art by casting them as primitive or uncivilized. This biased perspective often romanticized Indigenous cultures while simultaneously depicting them as obstacles to progress. Such representations reinforced colonial justifications for conquest and assimilation, shaping public opinion in Europe that supported expansionist policies while disregarding the complexities of Indigenous societies.
• Assess the long-term implications of European views on Native American societies in terms of cultural survival and adaptation.
  • The long-term implications of European views on Native American societies have been profound, leading to both challenges and adaptations within Indigenous cultures. While initial encounters resulted in significant cultural disruption and violence, many Native communities found ways to adapt their traditions and practices amidst colonial pressures. This ongoing resilience highlights a complex narrative where Indigenous peoples negotiated their identities while responding to European perceptions, ultimately contributing to a dynamic interplay between cultures that continues to evolve today.

Related terms

Columbian Exchange:

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.

Eurocentrism: A worldview that centers on European culture and history, often leading to the perception of non-European societies as inferior or less civilized.

Missionary Efforts: The attempts by European powers, particularly Spain and France, to convert Native Americans to Christianity through religious missions.