Native American History For Dummies (ePub)

Call them Native Americans, American Indians, indigenous peoples,
or first nations -- a vast and diverse array of nations,
tribes, and cultures populated every corner of North America long
before Columbus arrived. Native American History For Dummies
reveals what is known about their pre-Columbian history and shows
how their presence, customs, and beliefs influenced everything that
was to follow.

This straightforward guide breaks down their ten-thousand-plus
year history and explores their influence on European settlement of
the continent. You'll gain fresh insight into the major tribal
nations, their cultures and traditions, warfare and famous battles;
and the lives of such icons as Pocahontas, Sitting Bull and
Sacagawea. You'll discover:

* How and when the Native American's ancestors reached the
continent

* How tribes formed and where they migrated

* What North America was like before 1492

* How Native peoples maximized their environment

* Pre-Columbian farmers, fishermen, hunters, and traders

* The impact of Spain and France on the New World

* Great Warriors from Tecumseh to Geronimo

* How Native American cultures differed across the continent

* Native American religions and religious practices

* The stunning impact of disease on American Indian
populations

* Modern movements to reclaim Native identity

* Great museums, books, and films about Native Americans

Packed with fascinating facts about functional and ceremonial
clothing, homes and shelters, boatbuilding, hunting, agriculture,
mythology, intertribal relations, and more, Native American
History For Dummies provides a dazzling and informative
introduction to North America's first inhabitants.