TREATMENT

OF NATIVE
AMERICAN
TRIBES BY
EUROPEANS
Hana Mahmutović and Farah Demirović
INTRODUCTION
Native Americans inhabitated the Americans
for thousands of years prior to the arrival of
European colonizers in the 15th century.

This presentation will provide an in-depth

explanation of the various injustices inflicted
upon them by the invading Europeans.
 Pre-Colonial Native American Societies
● Before European colonization, Native American societies thrived across the Americas,
exhibiting a wide range of cultures and civilizations. These societies were
characterized by advanced agricultural practices, intricate trade networks, and
complex social structures. Examples include the Aztec and Inca empires in Central
and South America, as well as the various tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy in
North America.

● Pre-Colonial Native American societies also

displayed remarkable diversity in their
governance structures, ranging from hierarchical
chiefdoms to decentralized tribal confederacies.
Additionally, these societies developed
sophisticated art forms, architecture, and oral
traditions that reflected their deep spiritual
connections to the land and natural world.
AZTEC
PYRAMIDS
 Initial Contact
● Initial contact between European explorers and Native American tribes was marked by
cultural exchange, trade, and sometimes conflict. European explorers sought to
establish trade routes and colonies in the Americas, leading to interactions with
indigenous peoples. However, these encounters also brought about the spread of
diseases such as smallpox, which decimated Native American populations who lacked
immunity.
● This initial contact between European explorers and Native American tribes often
involved mutual curiosity and exchange of goods, but it also set the stage for centuries
of complex and often contentious interactions that reshaped the course of history for
both indigenous peoples and European settlers.
● There were instances where Native Americans initiated violence toward Europeans,
particularly in response to perceived threats to their territories, resources, and
sovereignty. Some Native American tribes, faced with encroachment on their lands or
mistreatment by European settlers or expeditions, engaged in acts of resistance or self-
defense.
 Impact of Colonization
● European colonization had a profound and often
devastating impact on Native American
populations. The introduction of diseases, such as
smallpox, resulted in catastrophic population
declines, with some estimates suggesting that up
to 90% of indigenous peoples perished.
Additionally, European colonizers engaged in
forced displacement of Native American tribes
from their traditional lands, leading to loss of
sovereignty, cultural disruption, and economic
marginalization.
● Some people believe that white settlers
distributed items, such as blankets contaminated
with smallpox and other infectious diseases,
aiming to reduce the population of Native people.
Forced Assimilation and Land Dispossession

● European colonizers implemented policies aimed at forcibly assimilating Native

Americans into European culture and society. These efforts included the establishment
of boarding schools where Native American children were forbidden from speaking
their native languages and practicing their traditional customs. Furthermore,
conversion to Christianity was often coerced, undermining indigenous spiritual
practices and cultural autonomy.
● European colonizers systematically dispossessed Native American tribes of their
ancestral lands through treaties that were often coerced or outright fraudulent. The
Indian Removal Act of 1830, for example, authorized the forced relocation of Native
American tribes from their homelands to designated reservations in the West, leading
to the Trail of Tears and widespread suffering and death among indigenous peoples.
 Resistance and Resilience
● Despite facing overwhelming odds, Native American tribes mounted various forms of
resistance against European colonization. Leaders such as Tecumseh, Sitting Bull,
and Geronimo emerged as symbols of indigenous resistance, fighting against
encroachment on their lands and cultures. Movements like the Red Power Movement
in the 20th century advocated for indigenous rights and sovereignty, highlighting the
ongoing struggle for justice and recognition.
● Native American communities continue to face numerous challenges in the modern
era, including poverty, inadequate healthcare, and environmental degradation of tribal
lands. Historical injustices, coupled with systemic discrimination and marginalization,
contribute to socio-economic disparities and persistent struggles for self-determination
and cultural revitalization among indigenous peoples.
 Conclusion

● In conclusion, the treatment of Native

American tribes by European colonizers
represents a dark chapter in history
characterized by exploitation, violence,
and cultural erasure. Understanding this
history is essential for acknowledging the
enduring legacy of colonialism and
working towards reconciliation and justice
for indigenous peoples. By honoring
indigenous resilience and advocating for
their rights, we can strive to create a more
fair and inclusive future for all.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
ATTENTION!