Peopling of the Americas Development of Native American Culture Populating the Americas Land bridge (Beringa) existed that connected Eurasia to North America (25,000 10,000 years ago) For 15,000 years the Americas are populated. When the glaciers melt, the Americas become isolated from the rest of the world. Early Life for Native Americans Native Americans were mainly nomads Individuals who moved around to find food. Lived off the land by hunting, fishing, and gathering Consequences of nomadic life: Small population growth No formal govt, writing system, or complex religion Everyone is focused on survival needs Agricultural Revolution Native Americans learn to grow crops move away from nomadic lifestyle Three sisters farming: squash, corn (maize), beans Consequences of this Lifestyle: Population boom due to steady/increasing food supply Specialization of labor As a result formal govt, writing system, and religion begin to form Civilizations begin to form By 1492 it is estimated that 54 million people lived in the Americas, comprising hundreds of tribes Powerful empires like the Maya, Aztecs, and Inca developed A Brief Overview of Tribal Cultures- Southwest Located along Rio Grande Warm, humid climate with minimal rainfall Sedentary: Farming three sisters Lived in villagespueblo is Spanish for village Houses with multiple stories made of clay bricks. Nomadic: Hunter-gatherers Houses made of mud and bark A Brief Overview of Tribal Cultures- Plains Indians Farmed along river valleysThree Sisters plus sunflowers and tobacco Lived in teepees, which could be collapsed for transport to a new location. Hunted buffalobut there were no horses in the Americas before the Spanish arrived Utilized every part of the buffalo not just for food. Settled around pueblos to trade during the winter Moderate temperatures good for crops. A Brief Overview of Tribal Cultures-Southeastern Indians Movement of Mississippians from large settlements to smaller villages (known as hamlets) along river valleys City of Cahokia had 25,000 people living in it Built a great mound in the middle of the city Each tribe was divided into smaller clans Hunted animals like deer in the winter Very skilled farmers three sisters, tobacco and sunflower Warm, temperate climate A Brief Overview of Tribal Cultures- Eastern Woodlands/Northeast Groups such as Algonquin and Iroquois Algonquins lived in wigwams (round, covered in bark) Iroquois lived in longhouses (about 10 families in each) Mixture of farming and hunting Slash-and-burn agriculture Relied heavily on access to water, forests and small animals. Variations of climate, landscape, and natural resources wide variations of culture Lots of conflict! A Brief Overview of Tribal Cultures- California/ Plateau and Northwest Intermountain: Diverse over 100 tribes; 200+ dialects Small, family-based bands of hunter-gatherers (roots, berries, etc.) Small villages riverbanks (inland) In the desert, the temperature is extreme temperatures and little rainfall. The mountain ranges it has mild climate and many redwood trees. Northwest: Mild climate Lots of natural resources Proximity to water seafood Permanent villages (100s of people)