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The Americas Before Columbus, 2007. An analysis of the book "1491: New Revelations of the Americas before Columbus" by Charles Mann. 838 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 29.95 »
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Abstract The paper reviews and discusses the book, "1491: New Revelations of the Americas before Columbus", by Charles Mann. The paper explains that the book reveals how the "New World" for the Europeans was not new at all. The paper relates Mann's revelation that archaeologists and anthropologists have verified that at least 100 million people lived in the Americas before Columbus arrived. The paper relates that Mann explores findings in three specific areas: Indian demography (Part I), Indian origins (Part II) and Indian ecology (Part III).
From the Paper "The most interesting aspect about 1491 is that Mann compiles information from a large number of reputable sources, which has never been done before. Many anthropologists and archaeologists have written studies on the topics contained in the book, but they remained in academia and not for the layman. Mann not only assembles many of these scientific findings (he apologizes that it would be impossible to cover everything written), but writes about them in an understandable and appealing fashion. At times, he gets the readers muddled with too much technical information and names of tribes, but most often it is just an interesting read."
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"A Spirited Resistance", 2007. This paper analyzes "A Spirited Resistance. The North American Indian Struggle for Unity 1745-1815," by Gregory Evans Dowd. 1,193 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 40.95 »
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Abstract The paper discusses how Gregory Evans Dowd recounts the struggle for resistance of a few American Indian tribes against the British-American expansion. The paper is of the opinion that Dowd gives a unique and very interesting interpretation of the events taking place during the mid- eighteenth century. The paper portrays how Dowd tried to reconstruct the British colonization from the point of view of the Native Americans, by focusing on their perception of the Anglo-American invasion.
From the Paper "The "Indians' Great Awakening" presents the resistance of the Native Americans to the British colonization, and observes the double character of this movement: it is both a spiritual and a political resistance, or in other words, the political resistance is backed up by a spiritual regeneration of the Indians, who rediscover their traditional religions and rituals in their effort to preserve their identity in front of the colonists."
"Moreover, the nativistic movement has yet another character apart from the spiritual and the political ones, according to Dowd. The sudden awakening of the Indians is not a mere spiritual revival, but a finding of a sense of unity as a people."
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"The Heartland Chronicles", 2007. This paper analyzes the book "The Heartland Chronicles" by Douglas E. Foley. 1,232 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 41.95 »
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Abstract The paper focuses on the irony of the Native-American gaming industry the author discusses in his book. The paper discusses how today the Native-Americans are capitalizing on the white's propensity for gaming and greed while for centuries, whites have capitalized on the Native-Americans, taking their land, relocating them and altering their lives. However, the paper reveals that the cultural differences between whites and Native-Americans are just as strong today as they ever have been. The paper illustrates how the author chronicles the story of his hometown, Tama, Iowa and how he demonstrates the many subtle and not-so-subtle issues of racism throughout the book. The paper concludes that the "The Heartland Chronicles" shows how differences between races are exceedingly difficult to eradicate.
From the Paper "Throughout this book, the anthropologist author chronicles the story of his hometown, Tama, Iowa. It would seem that would tell a bucolic story of moms, apple pie, farms, and Midwestern American values. However, the author shows those stereotypes belong in Hollywood, rather than Iowa. In actuality, the "town" people are distrustful and afraid of the Native Americans and their settlement outside of town. They make up shocking stories about things that happen on the reservation, and maintain that the Indians are only good for violence, drinking, and terrorizing whites."
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The Rise of the Aztec Society, 2006. A look at the history of the Aztecs. 2,157 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 67.95 »
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Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the history of the Aztecs and the development of the Aztec society. According to the paper, the Aztecs were not the first great civilization that inhabited the region of today's Mexico, but settled after many former cultures had passed and left their influence hundreds of years before the empire was built. The paper reports that like other cultures, the Aztecs started as a small group of people that managed to achieve power and riches through hard work and a vision of the future.
From the Paper "The lowest stage of society was a kind of peasant that was not allowed to have properties, was bound to the land of the nearby nobles and had the task of working it, in exchange for a portion of the harvest. A lower stage were the slaves, less in number and that achieved such condition only if they were war prisoners, had debts or committed crimes. A slave was similar to a paid servant. The children of the poor people could be sold as slaves, but it was usually for a determined period of time. The slaves had the right to buy their freedom."
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Native American Influence on American English, 2007. An analysis of the history of certain American English words that have their roots in Native-American languages. 2,938 words (approx. 11.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 86.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the influence of Native-American languages on American English. It begins by discussing the variety, origin and roots of Native-American languages. It then discusses early contact between settlers and Native-Americans and the evidence that has been found to suggest that American English was influenced by this contact, particularly the names of places names that were named after the tribes that occupied the location.
Table of Contents:
The Lumbee
What Does this Mean for Native American Words in American English?
From the Paper "In conclusion, tribal languages are typically spoken only in places where tribal members are isolated. However, it is doubtful if there are any areas left where the tribal language is spoken exclusively. Typically the tribal language exists alongside English. As the number of native speakers diminishes, so does the usage of that language until it is eventually extinguished. This has been the fate of many native languages. The remnants that remain in American English are testimony to their existence. In some cases they are one of the last remaining references to their existence. The study of native American words in the English language gives us a glimpse into many ancient languages that are long forgotten and can give us clues to the cultures of these people as well. The study of Native language remnants is a testimony to the tribes and peoples that once represented the dominant culture in North America."
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Black Elk's Religion, 2006. A look at the life of Native American, Black Elk, and his strong Christian beliefs. 1,190 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95 »
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Abstract This paper takes a look at the life and beliefs of Black Elk, member of the Oglala Sioux nation. According to the paper, Black Elk had many visions, the first of which he experienced at age nine. The paper goes on to discuss how Black Elk provided leadership in the acceptance of Christianity for a peaceful coexistence with the dominant society, while at the same time remaining a Lakota traditionalist at heart.
From the Paper "Black Elk shared his vision with the entire tribe, which then carefully enacted each detail (Wink 2000). They gathered sixteen horses: four black horses which represented the west, four white horses for the north, four sorrels for the east, and four buckskins for the south, and all with riders painted accordingly (Wink 2000). Then they began dancing, wheeling from one quadrant of the sacred circle to the next, drawing everyone into the circle until all were within the center (Wink 2000). A stick was planted in the earth that would flower as a sign of life and hope for the Sioux tribe (Wink 2000)."
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Christian Conversion in Mexico and Brazil, 2007. A description of the Spanish and Portuguese attempts to convert native peoples to Christianity during their conquests of Brazil and Mexico. 2,274 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 70.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines the impact of Spanish and Portuguese colonization on Mesoamerican culture, with an emphasis on conversion of indigenous peoples to Christianity. The author describes the native religion and lifestyle prior to the Europeans' arrival, and the subsequent results of conversion to Christianity, both positive and negative. Also described is the treatment toward the native peoples by the Europeans. The paper is divided into two sections, one describing the Spanish invasion and the other the Portuguese conquest of Brazil. The author concludes that the effort by Portuguese Christians to convert native Brazilians - by force or otherwise - to Christianity was far less successful than tactics used by Spaniards in Mexico.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
The arrival of the Spaniards into Mesoamerican Mexico
Things did not go well for the Spaniards in 1680s and 1690s
Jesuit priest Father Tomas Miranda raged at the cruel treatment of the Seri
Portugal and the Colonization of Brazil
Works Cited
From the Paper "And because the Roman Catholic leadership in Spain saw the natives as part of a prophecy, a gift from Lord to enrich their Spanish culture, the Franciscan missionaries, the first priests in Mexico, used "indoctrination" as a term rather than "evangelization." The Spaniards reportedly believed that since God had placed these Native Americans on Mexican soil for the enhancement of Spanish culture and religion, that the natives merely needed the facts of Christianity (Roman Catholicism), not the full litany of evangelization. The Spaniards were wrong, of course, and they found themselves in the midst of a myriad of troubling situations they could not possibly have predicted."
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Mesoamerica, 2006. A look at Mesoamerica, which includes the central area of Mexico, Central America, down to Guatemala and Honduras. 2,730 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 81.95 »
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Abstract This paper takes a look at the history of Mesoamerica. According to the paper, archaeological evidence showing signs of human habitation north of the Valley of Mexico indicates that the history of Mexico can be extended back at least 20,000 years. The paper looks at the development of the different civilizations that inhabited this region and era and discusses their art.
From the Paper "Much of the art of the region shows similar concerns and similar designs. The ancient mythic cultures of the Olmec, the Mayan, and the Aztecs, along with frescoes from different periods in Mexican history, show images of plumed coyotes, men with the shells of turtles, dogs wearing human masks, jaguars in scarves, arum flowers with pistils that are tiny men, geometrically shaped gods with large noses, and so on. Many of these have become iconic image and have been emulated by others in later periods."
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The Fox Wars, 2003. A brief history of the Fox Wars between the Fox (Mesquakie) American Indians and the French. 3,372 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 95.95 »
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Abstract This paper takes a look at the Fox Wars, fought between the Fox (Mesquakie) American Indians and the French in the early 18th Century. According to the paper, these Fox Wars that were fought in the then-French territory of Wisconsin, were due to the struggles that persisted as a result of access to land and waterways, security of expanding French forces into the West and mistrust perpetuated by previous encounters.
From the Paper "Beauharnois chose Paul de la Marque Sieur Marin to lead an expedition to suppress the Meskwaki. Marin and his forces left Montreal in the summer of 1729 and wintered over in a deserted fort near the Menominee village. He first encountered Meskwaki people in the spring, near Little Lake Butte des Morts. After five days of fighting the Meskwaki were successful in escaping during the night and eluding capture or defeat by Marin. Having lost all of their allies and left with few resources in their home area, the Meskwaki took an offer from the Iroquois to seek refuge outside of Wisconsin. In the summer of 1730 they set off for Lake Ontario, traveling through southern Wisconsin and along the Illinois River. They had plans to meet with allies in the Ouiatanon tribe near Lafayette, Indiana. However, their travel was also reported to the French by the Meskwaki's former allies, the Mascouten and the Kickapoo. The French threatened the Iroquois for offering refuge to the Meskwaki. Meanwhile, St. Ange of Peoria, Illinois gathered a force of French and Indian warriors and pursued the Meskwaki. "
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Native-American Family Culture, 2007. This paper explores Native-American culture, focusing on family life. 1,840 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 59.95 »
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Abstract In this article the writer presents an examination of family life with a focus on the Native-American community. The writer explores child rearing, parenting, moral training, infant care and other aspects of the Native-American culture and presents it in a cohesive fashion. The writer notes that the Native-American population continues to blend its foundation with American life to create a situation in which they can live cohesively while not forgetting who they are and where they came from. The writer concludes that as Americans become more tolerant of equal genders and get further away from corporal punishment of children the American culture will become more similar to the Native-American culture, and perhaps learn from a people that has maintained their integrity through almost constant assault.
From the Paper "The concept of family is important in almost every culture in the world. How one raises children, treats children and support children is instrumental in any culture. Native Americans have struggled for many years to maintain their individual culture and tradition in a world that has spent 200 years trying to strip it away. One of the more difficult elements of maintaining that culture has been in the area of family. Family traditions, and Native American culture have clashed with modern America and the result for many has been confusion, depression and anger as children and teenagers rebel against their parent's wishes. While this is common in almost all family cultures the Native American culture also wrestles with prejudice and bias against their ways. Today, many Native Americans are striving to raise their children with respect for modern ways while still maintaining the traditions of their heritage."
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Peltier and Hatcher, 2007. This paper discusses the cases of Leonard Peltier and Eddie Hatcher and looks at the Native-American experience with the U.S. justice system. 1,027 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 36.95 »
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Abstract In this essay, the writer provides two cultural and historic examples of injustice in the treatment of Native-American individuals. Further, the writer identifies the tribe or the individual's name as well as the geographical or historical context. The pros and cons of the situation are analyzed and stated. The writer relates that the 'system' is manipulated by those in power rendering verdicts that forever change the lives of individuals such as Hatcher and Peltier wreaking a great injustice upon individuals, tribes and minorities throughout the United States. The writer concludes that it is doubtful that real justice and just principles can be in reality founded upon the methodological genocide of the Native-American people that occurred in the establishment of this system of 'justice'.
From the Paper "In 1973 a three-year period of political violence began on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation with the tribal chairman hiring vigilantes or self-titled "GOONS" to run the American Indian Movement (AIM) off of the reservation. During the violence over 60 traditional tribal and AIM members were murdered and many more hurt. The evidence seemed to point to the GOONS as being responsible for the largest part of the crimes yet nothing was done to stop the ongoing violence. THE GOONS were supplied with intelligence on AIM members by the FBI who also supplied the GOONS with ammunition. The traditional people at Pine Ridge South Dakota asked Leonard, who was a gifted organizer for AIM to go to Pine Ridge and watch over those who were the victims of violence. Leonard and a few other younger members of AIM camped on a ranch which was owned by the Jumping Bull Family, a tradition family. June 26, 1975 was the fateful day that two agents for the FBI followed a pickup in their unmarked car to the Jumping Bull Ranch. The families who lived there, due to the violent nature of those who had targeted them became scared and shots rang out while over 150 agents, GOON's and law officers surrounded the ranch."
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The Thirst of a Mercantile Empire, 2007. This paper explores the use of rum, grog, brandy and other alcoholic beverages in shaping the relationship between Great Britain and Her American colonies. 2,274 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 70.95 »
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Abstract The paper discusses how when Spain, Portugal, France, Great Britain, and other European nations established colonies in the Americas, each was faced with a similar dilemma - how to turn a profit from these new ventures. The paper shows how the mercantile colonial world of the British New World Empire of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries was based upon the sugar plantations of the West Indies. The paper describes how rum, grog and other sugar-cane based alcoholic beverages fed the appetites of British men and women in the mother country and fueled the European trade in slaves along the West Coast of Africa.
From the Paper "Rum, for example, was distilled from the molasses - the molasses itself a product of one the stages of sugar refining. Still other strong drinks were made directly from the fermented, or distilled, juice of the sugar cane plant. These liquors were shipped back home to Britain, where the profits from their sale were invested either in alcoholic beverages of European manufacture, or put back into the sugar plantations themselves. These plantations demanded enormous amounts of backbreaking labor, but laborers were in short supply. It was only when the British, and other European colonizers, discovered the cure-all of African slavery that their problem appeared solved, and the classic Eighteenth Century mercantile relationship between colonizer and colony was fixed firmly in place."
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Woodland Indians, 2006. A look at Woodland Indians and their culture. 1,196 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95 »
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Abstract This paper takes a look at the lives of Woodland Indians. According to the paper, the study of Woodland Indian culture is difficult, the reason being a lack of evidence. Many artifacts and remains were destroyed by amateurs lacking the skills to preserve the evidence. However, archaeologists were able to substantiate an entire society's way of life by tracking and analyzing how much chert was to be found in rocks and stream beds.
From the Paper "They also left weapons, including; arrowheads, axes, spearheads and knives of many different shapes and sizes. A well trained archeologist would be able to glean much information from these artifacts if allowed to discover them in their context. The museum also displayed how the Woodland Indians played and hunted."
"One display showed how hunting was their main source for food and also supplied them with skins for clothing and bedding to keep them warm during the winter. That same display informed us that the Indians played many games, including lacrosse. There were some games that only the woman played, while the men also showed off their skills at archery and spear throwing. Dice was also popular, although they probably did not use the same type of manufactured dice that we use today. "
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California Indians, 2007. This paper describes the history of the California Indians and the struggles they faced with colonizing Europeans. 2,310 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 71.95 »
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Abstract This paper presents a brief history of the Native Americans of California, focusing on their struggles with colonizing Europeans and their eventual loss of land and civil rights. The paper traces the history of Native Americans in the US back to their arrival in North America from Asia. Next the author describes their settlement and cultures in North America, and California specifically. The paper highlights the arrival of Europeans to Californian, describing the Native American's subsequent loss of loss of land, culture and autonomy. Special attention is paid to the effects of reservations on the Native American population.
Outline:
California Indians
Population Decline of California Indian
Figure-1: Native California [Census 2000]
Figure-2: Native California Population [Census 2000]
Indian Plight since Columbian Period
Paper includes maps and charts.
From the Paper "This exploitation continued well into the twentieth century and displacement of Native Indian from reserves continued with little or no compensation until the early twentieth century. The enlightened society of the twentieth century began to apply the laws which have been on the statutes for centuries to all Americans. Discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion and sex can not be legally justified anymore. This important factor now provides legal rights and new protection to Native Indians. "
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The Spanish Explorers, 2007. A discussion regarding the impact of the Spanish explorers on the native populations of the West Indies and Mexico. 871 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 30.95 »
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Abstract This paper takes a look at the Spanish explorers Christopher Columbus, Bartolome' de las Casas and Bernal Diaz Del Castillo. The paper discusses the differences in attitudes of the three different explorers with regard to the native populations of the countries they discovered. The paper further discusses the impact of these Spanish explorers on the native populations of the West Indies and Mexico.
From the Paper "Unfortunately, it was the innocent and gullible attitude that would be the downfall of the Taino. Columbus wrote home to Spain and explained how useful this tribe would be due to their work ethic, caring, and cooperativeness. Columbus and his crew soon found ways to take advantage of the Taino's generosity. Many women of the Taino tribe were abducted by Columbus' soldiers. On a more formal level when Columbus returned for his second voyage the real mistreatment of the Taino began. About 1200 tribe members were sent to Spain where they were sold off as slaves. Those in the new world began working in mines and on plantations. Columbus began demanding a tribute of gold from each adult Taino; death or mutilation was the punishment for not complying. The population of Taino quickly began to deteriorate due to mistreatment and disease."
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Multiculturalism and the Canadian Documentary, 2007. This paper discusses the issue of multiculturalism in Canadian film. 2,435 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 74.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer points out that Canadian documentary directors have used the genre to effectively illustrate facets of multiculturalism and style that would be lost in the non-documentary film-making world. The writer discusses and compares three films in this paper. The writer describes that Simcha Jacobovici and Roger Pyke present a striking memorandum that illustrates the pain and struggle of religious persecution in the film 'Expulsion & Memory: Descendants of the Hidden Jews'. Similarly, the writer looks at Alanis Obomsawin's 'Richard Cardinal: Cry from the Diary of a Metis Child'. The writer also discusses 'Shooting Indians: A Journey with Jeffery Thomas' by Ali Kazimi that quietly illustrates one man's struggle to change the stereotypical image of Native cultures and people in North America, while also reflecting on the relationship of culture as the director shares his cultural background. The writer concludes that through different uses of the documentary genre, all three films effectively use the factual background to establish strong views of multicultural identity.
From the Paper "As a film style, documentaries are tied to stricter guidelines than other films because they must adhere to fact to some respect. While many filmmakers might see this as a problem or hurtle, well-made documentaries take advantage of this factor as strength. American director St. Clair Bourne explains that the making of a fictional movie is much more demanding because the background and context must all be created from scratch; he finds documentaries to be more about interpretation and bringing out the real story that already exists within a context. This is the case with the three films discussed here, though each film faced different challenges in creation, and succeeded in different aspects. Each of these films takes the raw material of the history involved and shapes it to create a story with whatever intentions exist from the directors."
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Feminism in Native America, 2007. An analysis of feminism in Native America and its impact on native communities. 1,172 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 40.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses feminism in Native America. It begins by describing various forms of feminism and discussing three waves of feminism. It then links feminism in Native America to the third wave, which includes ecofeminism, postcolonial feminism, generational, youth feminism and embodiment, nature, culture and dualism. The paper goes on to discuss the implications of this form of feminism on the native communities.
From the Paper "Regardless of its origins in Native communities, sexism operates with full force today and requires strategies that directly address it. Smith believes that before Native peoples fight for the future of their nations, they must decide who is included in the nation. Gender justice is often articulated as being a separate issue from issues of survival for indigenous peoples, and such an understanding presupposes that "we could actually decolonize without addressing sexism, which ignores the fact that it has been precisely through gender violence that we have lost our lands in the first place," argues Smith."
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The Native-American Plight, 2007. A discussion of the history of European dominance and Native-American suppression in the United States. 5,373 words (approx. 21.5 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 132.95 »
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Abstract The paper discusses how the Native-American population is one of the most marginalized groups in American society. The paper relates that the government has treated the Native-American population as a separate and sovereign nation within the borders of the United States, while at the same time reducing their power and preventing it from thriving even in limited circumstances. The paper points out that any discussion of Native-Americans must recognize the variety of tribes in different parts of the country and the social and cultural elements that link them in opposition to the white society that pushed the Native-American out of one region after another. The paper concludes that the plight of the Native-American remains precarious as their culture is undermined and altered even today.
Outline:
Introduction
Early Period
Pre-Civil War
Twentieth Century
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Europeans were surprised at the mode of life of the Native Americans even as they saw that lifestyle to be antithetical to their own. For one thing, as shown in writings by the Europeans, they were consistent in their amazement at the personal liberty of the Indians and especially their freedom from rules and social classes based on the ownership of property, forces which governed the lives of the Europeans. This fact points to one difference between Europeans and Native Americans--Europeans "owned" property and saw the land as something to be possessed, while the Native Americans lived with nature and did not try to own it. The Indians used their resources for survival, while the Europeans sought more than this and developed a broad-based trade that depended on exploiting resources, including exploiting them for products they could sell to their home countries. Much of the history of the New World involved a clash between these values, with Europeans pushing the Indians off their land in order to exploit the resources and to assert ownership, as if God had given them the right to do this."
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