The America that greeted the first Europeans was far from an
empty wilderness. It is now thought that as many people lived in
the Western Hemisphere as in Western Europe at that time – about
40 million. Estimates of the number of Native Americans living
in what is now the United States at the onset of European
colonization range from two to 18 million, with most historians
tending toward the lower figure. What is certain is the
devastating effect that European disease had on the indigenous
population practically from the time of initial contact.
Smallpox, in particular, ravaged whole communities and is
thought to have been a much more direct cause of the precipitous
decline in the Indian population in the 1600s than the numerous
wars and skirmishes with European settlers.
Indian customs and culture at the time were extraordinarily
diverse, as could be expected, given the expanse of the land and
the many different environments to which they had adapted. Some
generalizations, however, are possible. Most tribes,
particularly in the wooded eastern region and the Midwest,
combined aspects of hunting, gathering, and the cultivation of
maize and other products for their food supplies. In many cases,
the women were responsible for farming and the distribution of
food, while the men hunted and participated in war.
By all accounts, Native-American society in North America was
closely tied to the land. Identification with nature and the
elements was integral to religious beliefs. Their life was
essentially clan – oriented and communal, with children allowed
more freedom and tolerance than was the European custom of the
day.
Although some North American tribes developed a type of
hieroglyphics to preserve certain texts, Native-American culture
was primarily oral, with a high value placed on the recounting
of tales and dreams. Clearly, there was a good deal of trade
among various groups and strong evidence exists that neighboring
tribes maintained extensive and formal relations – both friendly
and hostile.
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