Role of African American Soldiers in World War I and World War II

Many histories of North America were defined by cultural contact between the indigenous people of the region – the Native Americans – and early settlement by Europeans. These included social and economic, political, and conflicts that were conducted in a form of exchange of practice, knowledge, goods among the two groups. Indians demonstrated to white farmers some crucial methods of farming, such as the use of corn, beans, and squash, universally known as ‘The Three Sisters.’ These crops provided the settler with his food and were essential to the survival of his civilization in the New World. In particular, indigenous peoples’ recognition of areas was crucial for newcomers who knew nothing about hunting or fishing and could not identify medicinal plants. On the other hand, Europeans interacted with the Native Americans and gave them new technologies and new products such as metal tools, guns, and cloth. Bought by the Spanish, this animal revolutionized the way of life in many Native tribes, especially those in the Great Plains/the Plains, by improving mobility and hunting capabilities. However, none of these exchanges were all positive. Smallpox, which was carried from Europe, killed Native nations, and more often, cultural differences resulted in clashes. Gradually, European colonies destroyed the Native American’s social structure and deprived their rights to their land, culture, and self-governance. Nevertheless, the first contacts between the indigenous peoples and the European pioneers forged a bridge between two cultures in the course of the subsequent American development.