The Negative Impact Of European Trade Goods On Native Americans

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European trade goods had a major impact on Native Americans’ lives. Native Americans relied heavily on goods they either constructed or hand-made themselves from natural resources. From wooden tools, such as the bow, and clay pots and hollowed out gourds to cook and store their food, they were very creative in devising items from natural resources to make their daily living routines a little easier. However, once British settlers arrived in North America, that simple way of life would change dramatically. The settlers brought with them forged metal instruments, such as the axe and hoe and metal pots that made food preparation easier. Woolen blankets, decorative jewelry, glass beads, and guns were also in high demand. As Native Americans became more dependent on European trade goods, they welcomed the establishment of trading posts. …show more content…

With the proliferation of manufactured goods from Europe, the very trusting Native Americans accepted metal tools, pots, blankets, jewelry, glass beads, and guns in exchange for animal pelts, crops, and, unfortunately, their native lands. As more European settlers arrived in North America, Native Americans’ were soon forced to move to areas designated by the King of England that were not abundant with the natural resources they needed to sustain themselves. With the introduction of guns as a hunting tool, Native Americans were able to hunt more efficiently and kill more animals for food and fur, which upset the natural balance of the ecosystem. While increased trading with European settlers provided Native Americans’ with trade goods that made their lives easier, the dishonest trading practices by the European settlers ultimately led to the forced relocation of many Native American tribes from their

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