Most college students find American History very fascinating. In this class, students are treated with learning about the formation and growth of America. Students are usually able to devote more time to one the most fascinating contributors of America development, the Native American people. As students explore the cultural and contributions of America’s Native Son, they learn how influential Native American customs and ideas contributed to the growth of every country in the world. Those interested will find information for university degrees helpful as they progress.
Agriculture is one of the most familiar contributions American Indians gave to the world. For thousands of years, these people were skilled agriculturalists, growing diverse crops such as tomatoes, corn, potatoes, pineapples, beans, and peanuts. European settlers learned these farming practices and introduced them to countries around the globe. Today, this is clearly evident, as much of the food crop come from plants grown in the Americas. By sharing agricultural practices, Native Americans changed the diet of the world.
Much of the world owes many of their popular sports to Native Americans. One of the most physically demanding and admired sports today is “Baggataway.” We know it as lacrosse. These people developed this game to promote quick thinking, agility, and teamwork in their young men. These developmental skills were important to becoming a successful warrior and hunter. Today, lacrosse is played in American and international schools. They also introduced archery, swimming, track, kayaking, and wrestling. Ice hockey is also rooted in the Native American sport of field hockey.
Native Americans influence much of the world’s language. Europeans adopted words for clothing (poncho, parka, moccasin), words that name our trees (hickory, pecan), and inventions, such as the hammock. Half of the United States has Indian names, including Missouri, Alabama, and Massachusetts, to name a few. In addition, many of our rivers bare Native American names, like the Mississippi and the Potomac.
European settlers received, what we would call today “technical training,” in order to survive the North American region. Settlers learned intricate hunting skills that were specifically conducive to American land. This included fur-bearing animal trapping, which became a very profitable business for Europeans. American Indians also introduced Europe to exploration skills, which helped settler navigate through undiscovered lands pairing Native American inventions with environmental resources.
The Indians exposed Europe to indigenous crafts and tools that maintained their existence in America long before settlers reached the shores. Native American culture has also deeply influenced the world of art. Contributions in pottery, fabric weaving, leather crafting, and jewelry design have had a major impact worldwide. Today, American Indian artwork is well respected and highly prized around the globe.
Today, we recognize the importance of our world’s resources. Recycling, preserving natural resources, and keeping the air pure are all residual effects of the Native American. One of the most important significant contributions passed from the Indians is their harmony with the natural world. They believe if nature is disrupted, bad things will happen. Consequently, they hold nature in high-esteem. Searching for colleges online shouldn’t require much time or energy, and it could prove to be worth the effort.
Native Americans have had such an influential impact on world. This article covers but a few of the many contributions the native inhabitants had on forming and shaping our nation. College students can look forward to learning more about the indigenous people of America and how their influence was welcomed throughout the world in their degree program.