What characteristics distinguished the "civilized" tribes from the "wild" tribes?
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/civilization/?ar_a=1
http://priyakate.weebly.com/important-characteristics-of-a-civilization.html
To differentiate between the "civilized" tribes and the "wild" tribes, it is necessary to examine the historical and cultural context of Native American tribes in the United States. However, the terms "civilized" and "wild" are oversimplifications that were commonly used during the colonial period and early American history to describe Native American tribes. These terms are considered outdated and offensive today, as they perpetuate stereotypes and misrepresent the diversity and complexity of Native American cultures.
Nonetheless, a more nuanced understanding can be gained by acknowledging the differences in cultural practices, interactions with European settlers, and varying levels of adaptation to European customs and technology.
Here are some characteristics that were attributed to the so-called "civilized" tribes:
1. Agricultural Practices: Certain tribes, such as the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Creek, had well-established agricultural systems, cultivating crops like corn, beans, and squash, as well as employing sophisticated irrigation techniques.
2. Centralized Political Systems: These tribes often had complex political structures and more centralized forms of government. They had established systems of leadership, like chiefdoms or principalities, that could make decisions on behalf of the tribe.
3. Literacy and Education: Some of these tribes embraced literacy and education, developing their own written language and adopting Western-style education systems. For instance, the Cherokee developed a syllabary, enabling them to publish newspapers and establish schools.
4. Adoption of Euro-American Culture: Several of the so-called "civilized" tribes assimilated certain aspects of Euro-American culture, such as adopting Western-style clothing, Christianity, and property ownership norms. Some individuals even held enslaved Africans, which further assimilated them into European-American society.
On the other hand, the term "wild" tribes implied a perception of Native American tribes that were less assimilated or less aligned with European customs. However, it is crucial to understand that many tribes, categorized in this manner, had distinct and intricate cultures, traditions, and social systems.
It is important to treat Native American tribal histories with respect and to acknowledge the diversity and complexity of their cultures, rather than relying on simplified classifications or stereotypes.