Contact, Conflict and Colonization Essay
The contact between Native Americans and European explorers, from 1492 to1750, resulted in a host of consequences from exploitation to wars and cultural conflicts. Interaction between the two different groups led to several deaths from conquest by Europeans, who viewed the culture of native Americans as inferior compared to theirs. With sophisticated weapons, the Europeans easily defeated the established empires in America led by Indian tribes and established their government. Europeans like Christopher Columbus contributed immensely to American development (Tindall, 2006). These European settlers applied brutal force on the native population and exploited the natural resources available in the new world until the 1770s when the American Revolution was witnessed. Between 1492 and 1750, the English, Italians, Spanish and Portuguese established their powers in America for its abundant natural resources. The relationship was marked by violence, conquest and colonization of Native American Tribes. Europeans and the settlers wanted their culture to reign in the region (Loker, 2009).
The cultural relationship between Europeans and Native Americans led to benefit from one group. The Native American culture was characterized by traditional practices, some of which were not necessary for human development. As Europeans systematically taught the natives new culture and way of life, they benefited. For instance, European medicine, religion and social practices like marriage were superior to the one that existed in the region. In a separate publication, Casas (2011) observes that the emerging European culture in the region assisted the natives overcome some problems. As time passed, native Americans adopted these practices, and in the end, they benefited. From the analysis, therefore, even though native Americans practiced a unique culture, it is possible to claim that the Europeans’ way of life was superior. Compared to the one they found in America, the culture introduced by the Europeans was progressive and benefited the population. Over time, the native people developed a value for family, medicine, religion and representative leadership good for the natives (Gunderson, 2014). Through such practices, the lives of people in the new world changed for the better.
References
Casas, B. L. (2011). Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indies. S.l: BN Publishing.
Gunderson, J. (2014). Christopher Columbus: New world explorer or fortune hunter?. North Mankato, Minnesota: Capstone Press, a Capstone imprint.
Loker, A. (2009). Ancient explorers of America: From the Ice Age to Columbus. Williamsburg, VA: Solitude Press.
Tindall, G. B. (2006). America: A narrative history. W.W. London: Norton. (ISBN 0-393-92734-2).
