Similarities Between Indians And Native Americans

Europeans and Indians differed in many ways, but also had few similarities. When Europeans appeared there were cities, irrigation systems, roads, and a basic trade network. Catholicism was the Europeans religion. They supported the use of missionary work and trusted the Pope. Europeans believed that land represented wealth and power. They assumed it was okay to take land from others. Gender relations for Europeans were traditional. The man controlled the property and was the head of the household. Once women got married she was denied her identity and obeyed her husband. Europeans lived under fixed laws and respected authority. Indian civilizations had not developed yet. They lacked machines, tools, gun powder, and knowledge for long- distance
navigation. In the year 900-1200 they built dams, canals, and a town. They initiated trade, fishing, farming, and hunting. The Indians concluded that there was a spirit in everything. They performed rituals and had religious ceremonies. They also held the belief that there was a single creator that stood atop. Indians had various land systems. The village leaders appointed the land to the families for season farming. Tribes demanded specific areas of land for hunting. Unclaimed land was free to the use of anyone. The Indians did not believe in owning the land itself. Possession of land had no economic commodity. Females were able to participate in premarital sexual relations. They were able to divorce. Gender relations for Indians were matrilineal. Women portrayed an important role in religious ceremonies and took part in tribal meetings. Indian freedom was ambiguous. There were no clear similarities between the two groups of people. They both believed in religion although they had different practices. They both farmed and hunted. Land was a mean of survival to both groups.