Early Inhabitants of St. Martin

Who were the first known indigenous people to inhabit St. Martin?

• Caribs

• Arawaks

• Tainos

• Mayans

What was the primary purpose of the Arawak settlements on St. Martin?

• hunting and gathering

• establishing military outposts

• farming and fishing

• building large cities

If you were living as an Arawak on St. Martin, which natural resources would you most likely rely on for making tools?

• wood and bone

• plastic and steel

• cotton and silk

• concrete and glass

Which of the following options best explains why the Arawaks developed a peaceful way of life compared to the Caribs?

• The Arawaks had no weapons and only traded with the Caribs.

• The Arawaks were primarily farmers and used land resources sustainably, avoiding conflict.

• The Arawaks did not know about other tribes in the Caribbean.

• The Caribs taught the Arawaks to avoid war.

What factor most significantly contributed to the decline of the Arawak and Taino populations on St. Martin after European contact?

• They migrated to other islands.

• They experienced severe droughts.

• Diseases brought by Europeans.

• The Arawaks adopted European customs.

If you were to design a small Arawak village on St. Maarten, what would be the most important elements to include, based on their lifestyle?

• A large stone fort and castle

• A series of temples and stone monuments

• Simple thatched huts near the coast, farmland, and a fishing area

• Skyscrapers and roads

What were the Arawaks known for using to create their canoes?

• clay

• large tree trunks

• bamboo

• iron

Why did the Tainos often live near coastal areas of St. Martin?

• For easy access to seafood and trade routes

• To avoid attacks from neighboring tribes

• To have a good view of approaching enemies

• To escape from wild animals

How would the Arawaks’ agricultural practices have impacted the landscape of St. Martin?

• They built large stone cities, disrupting the natural environment.

• They cleared small areas for farming, promoting sustainable living.

• They planted invasive species, harming the ecosystem.

• They engaged in mining, causing soil erosion.

Consider the lifestyle of the Arawaks. Which of the following best describes how their community structure contributed to their way of life?

• They had a strict hierarchy with kings who ruled over large territories.

• They lived in family-based villages led by a chief, promoting cooperation and shared responsibilities.

• They were nomadic and frequently moved in search of food, which led to a disorganized community structure.

• They depended heavily on written laws and kept complex legal records.