There Goes The Neighborhood

When the Europeans began to inhabit the same land as the Native Americans, the lives of the Native Americans changed dramatically. There were both positive and negative effects, although they were mostly negative for the Native Americans. When the Europeans first arrived, the natives were enamored by their tools, weapons, and ships. They welcomed them with open arms. They were eager to trade with them and their own quality of life slowly improved with the items they received from the Europeans. However, the Europeans were quick to notice that the Natives had treasures, land, and were an easily accessible source of labor. Their greed won over and they began to take advantage and trade their worthless things for ones of more value. They brought along diseases such as influenza, smallpox, and measles that the Natives had no immunity to. They forced the Native Americans out of their homes and off of their land and into slavery. Thousands died. I think that it was almost impossible for two extremely different groups of people to peacefully coexist at the time because it doesn't take long for one group of people to realize they are more powerful and educated. They can then decide that they want to be in power and gain more for their people. They take the steps needed for them to achieve that power, even if it means turning on people who helped them in the past. Things have definitely improved in the present day and while there is still violence over clashing beliefs, we are able to live in communities that are both civilized and diverse.