Studies Weekly, W5, Article 1: The First People of the Americas

Studies Weekly
Week 5: American Indian Life in Texas

Article 1:
The First People of the Americas

​Before European exploration and colonization, thousands of American Indians lived in the Americas and the Caribbean Islands. However, their ancestors were not originally from these regions. Historians, scientists, and archaeologists have developed many theories to explain how American Indians first arrived in the Western Hemisphere.

​For many years, researchers believed that the ancient ancestors of American Indians came to America from Siberia, a region in northern Asia. They concluded that these people arrived about 12,000 years ago by hiking across a narrow strip of land that once bridged Asia and Alaska. This land bridge is known as the Bering Strait. From there, they settled in other areas of North America. Eventually, they migrated to Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands.

Multiple Choice

1. Where did researchers first believe Paleo-Indians immigrated from?

• Siberia

• the Alps

• the Congo

• Indus Valley

​In recent years, archaeologists in North and South America have discovered ancient tools, weapons, campsites, and skeletons that are even older than artifacts from the land-bridge travelers. The bones, in particular, were very different from those linked to the people who crossed the land bridge. This new research suggests that a large group of migrants crossed the Bering Strait as early as 30,000 years ago. This larger group split into smaller tribes about 15,000 years ago. Some traveled south through the Americas.

​Other researchers have proposed that the first people in the Americas traveled here by boat from southern Asia, Australia, India, Japan, or even Europe, arriving long before the land-bridge travelers. These people may have later died out. However, they also could have joined the Siberian tribes who migrated from Asia to Alaska via the Bering Strait. Combined, these groups could represent the American Indians’ earliest ancestors.

​Despite differing theories, experts refer to these people as Paleo-Indians. The Paleo-Indians were nomadic, meaning they traveled from place to place looking for food.

Multiple Choice

Despite differing theories, experts refer to these people as ______.

• tribes

• Paleo-Indians

• hunters

They hunted large animals, such as mammoths, ground sloths, bison, caribou, and others. They traveled in small bands of 20 to 50 people. They worked together to provide for the needs of the group. They built simple shelters using sticks, branches, and animal skins. They also looked for natural shelters like caves.

​Mammoth

​Ground Sloth

​Bison

​Caribou

Multiple Choice

What did Paleo-Indians NOT hunt for food according to the article?

• bison

• jaguars

• mammoths

• sloths

​This group also made spears for hunting. The Paleo-Indians carved rocks into sharp, durable points and shaped them to fit into a groove they had cut into a wooden shaft. Later, they invented a spear-thrower called an atlatl. This was used to throw a spear farther and faster than just by hand. The atlatl made it easier to hunt and helped the Paleo-Indians keep their stomachs filled. The Paleo-Indians also ate roots, plants, seeds, and possibly even insects. They used animal skins for clothing and shelter.

Multiple Choice

The Paleo-Indians carved rocks into sharp, durable points and shaped them to fit into a groove they had cut into a wooden shaft. Later, they invented a spear-thrower called _______.

• a spear

• an arrow head

• an atlatl

​The climate during the Paleo-Indian times was very strange. The ice age was ending, and that caused some pretty crazy weather. Plants and trees that many animals depended on died out over time. This changing environment may have caused many animals to become extinct. It is thought that 30 kinds of "mega-mammals" may have become extinct during this time. This includes the mammoths, mastodons and giant bison. Of course, there are lots of ideas about the disappearance of these animals. Some scientists think it is possible that the Paleo-Indians hunted these animals to extinction. However, the newest evidence suggests that a comet exploded over Canada and changed the weather very, very fast. This event could have easily caused animals to die off.

​The Paleo-Indian culture gradually became more advanced over generations. With advancements in their culture, their children's children became separate groups of American Indians. The Archaic, the Iroquois, the Cherokee and the Hopewell are all the descendants of the Paleo-Indians.

Over time, they developed different languages, customs, traditions and arts. Our continent was eventually filled with many tribes with different traditions. The Pueblo moved to the southwestern United States and built adobe houses out of the materials around them in their desert homes. The Iroquois built longhouses made of the wood from the woodland environment of the northeastern United States.

Multiple Choice

True or False:

Over time, Paleo-Indians developed different languages, customs, traditions and arts.

• True

• False

​Time passed, and generations changed. But the Paleo-Indians' descendants are still here. In fact, every American Indian tribe in North America has its roots in the Paleo-Indian culture.

Although they left no written records, researchers have learned much about these ancient peoples. Archaeologists specifically have discovered many examples of stone tools and weapons they used. By studying these artifacts, we can catch a glimpse into the lives of Paleo-Indians thousands of years ago. 

Multiple Choice

How do archeologists learn about ancient peoples?

• observing their cities

• by studying artifacts

• through their writings

• interviewing witnesses