American Studies: Native Americans
Early History
“Indians”
Christopher Columbus
1492
Finding a sea route from Spain to Asia
The Indies -> Los Indios
Columbus on “Los Indios”
“They were well-made with handsome bodies and good countenances. They are a loving people,
without covetousness. Their speech is the sweetest and gentlest in the world.”
First European Contact
Hard to know how many Native Americans there were:
Perhaps 8 million in North America
Perhaps 50 million total
Initially:
The first Europeans were welcomed and admired
Native Americans helped Europeans to survive
In Canada: cooperation in trade in beaver pelts
Early History
“Indians”
Christopher Columbus
1492
Finding a sea route from Spain to Asia
The Indies -> Los Indios
Columbus on “Los Indios”
“They were well-made with handsome bodies and good countenances. They are a loving people,
without covetousness. Their speech is the sweetest and gentlest in the world.”
First European Contact
Hard to know how many Native Americans there were:
Perhaps 8 million in North America
Perhaps 50 million total
Initially:
The first Europeans were welcomed and admired
Native Americans helped Europeans to survive
In Canada: cooperation in trade in beaver pelts
