Understanding the Impact of Europeans on Native Americans Today: A Worksheet for 12-Year-Olds

Instructions

Read the information below and answer the questions that follow. Use complete sentences where specified.

European Impact on Native Americans

When Europeans arrived in the Americas, they encountered Native American populations with rich cultures and traditions. The interactions between Europeans and Native Americans had significant effects on both groups that continue to influence Native Americans today.

These effects include changes in population due to diseases introduced by Europeans, shifts in land ownership and use, and the introduction of new technologies and crops. Additionally, European colonization led to the loss of cultural practices and languages for many Native American tribes, but also efforts for preservation and revitalization of these cultures are ongoing.

Questions

1. What were some diseases introduced by Europeans that affected Native American populations? 2. How did land ownership change for Native Americans as a result of European colonization? 3. Describe one positive and one negative impact that European contact had on Native American cultures. 4. How do you think the history of European colonization affects Native Americans today? 5. What steps can be taken to help preserve Native American cultures in modern society?

Reflection

Think about what you’ve learned and how it relates to the world today. Write a brief paragraph about your thoughts on the impact of history on present-day Native American communities.