Europeans and Native Americans were able to trade for things they needed or wanted.

Europeans traded metal tools/kettles which were stronger and cloth which was easier to clean. Native Americans traded animal furs. They also traded food for the European’s firearms.

In the beginning, Europeans were afraid of the Native Americans. White people did not understand the American Indian culture or way of life.

Native Americans were scared of Europeans at first because they were different.

Europeans brought horses and Native Americans used them to travel faster.

Native Americans shared their language with Europeans that we still use today. (kayak, moccasins, hominy, toboggan) Many interpreted between the tribes and the Europeans.

Native American leader, Massasoit, was friendly to the Europeans. He traded goods, gave land, taught Europeans how to protect themselves, and defended them when they were attacked.

Europeans brought diseases. Two-thirds of the Native Americans died.

Europeans took some of the Native Americans as slaves, like Squanto.

Native Americans, like Squanto, taught Europeans how to hunt, farm, and fish.

Native Americans, like Sacagawea, guided Europeans across America and helped them explore the land.

Native Americans abandoned their villages to become guides, trappers, and interpreters. They lost parts of their culture or way of life. (language, religion, and traditions)

Native Americans shared new foods with the Europeans. (Corn, squash, beans, turkey, peppers, strawberries, sunflower seeds, wild rice, nuts, fruits, and popcorn)

Europeans stole land from Native Americans. White people had them removed from their lands and sent to Indian Reservations. Thousands died on the way there. It was called the “Trail of Tears.”

Native Americans, like the Iroquois, shared their ideas about government with the Europeans. Their ideas are in our own constitution. (Everyone should be treated equally, have the same power, has a responsibility, and should listen.)