1.In what ways did groups of natives change the environment they lived in? Use at least 3 examples of tribes in North America.
2. What social, political and economic structures did native tribes set up to help them be successful?
1. Some farmed; some burned grasslands, some chopped down trees.
I'll be glad to critique your answers.
then what north american tribes fit in these categories
http://www.google.com/#q=native+American+farmers
http://www.google.com/#q=Native+Americans+burned+grasslands
http://www.google.com/#q=Native+Americans+trees
To answer these questions, we can explore historical and anthropological sources that discuss the ways in which Native American tribes changed their environments and the social, political, and economic structures they developed. Let's delve into each question one by one:
1. In what ways did groups of natives change the environment they lived in? Use at least 3 examples of tribes in North America.
To understand how Native American tribes changed their environments, we can examine a few key examples:
a. The Hohokam Tribe: The Hohokam Tribe, which resided in present-day Arizona from around 300 BCE to 1450 CE, developed an extensive irrigation system to transform the arid desert into fertile farmland. By constructing canals to divert water from nearby rivers, they were able to cultivate crops such as corn, beans, and squash. This allowed them to support a larger population and build larger settlements.
b. The Plains Tribes: Various tribes that lived on the Great Plains, including the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Comanche, significantly influenced their environment through hunting strategies and the use of fire. They employed buffalo hunting techniques, which ensured sustainable use of the buffalo herds that roamed the prairies. Additionally, controlled burns were utilized to maintain the grasslands, promoting the growth of new vegetation that attracted grazing animals and improved hunting conditions.
c. The Inuit Tribe: The Inuit, who inhabit the Arctic regions across Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, adapted to the harsh environment and thrived by relying on hunting marine mammals such as seals, whales, and walruses. They also built temporary settlements known as igloos, which provided shelter and insulation against the extreme cold. Their resourcefulness and utilization of local materials showcased their ability to navigate and modify their environment effectively.
2. What social, political, and economic structures did native tribes set up to help them be successful?
Native tribes in North America developed diverse social, political, and economic structures that were crucial for their success. Here are a few notable examples:
a. Confederacies: Several Native American tribes established confederacies or alliances with neighboring tribes to enhance their collective strength and address common challenges. One notable example is the Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, formed by the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, and Cayuga tribes in present-day New York. This confederacy promoted cooperation, diplomacy, and the sharing of resources among member tribes.
b. Tribal Councils: Many tribes utilized tribal councils or similar governing bodies to make decisions collectively. These councils consisted of respected individuals within the tribe who were tasked with making decisions that affected the community as a whole. They facilitated internal governance, conflict resolution, and decision-making on matters such as hunting grounds, land allocation, and resource management.
c. Subsistence Economies: Native tribes relied on subsistence economies, which involved hunting, fishing, gathering, and agriculture, to sustain their communities. Each tribe adapted their economic activities to the available resources and environment. For example, tribes along coastal regions, like the Tlingit in the Pacific Northwest, relied heavily on fishing and gathering marine resources. The variety of economic activities aimed to ensure self-sufficiency and balance with the natural resources of their respective regions.
In summary, Native American tribes modified their environments through practices such as irrigation, controlled burns, and sustainable hunting techniques. They also established social, political, and economic structures, including confederacies, tribal councils, and subsistence economies, to ensure their success and resilience as communities.