The Impact of The Indigenous Peoples On The Europeans

Impact of the indigenous people
Though the European impact on the indigenous people was significant, the indigenous people’s
contribution was wide ranging with many of their inventions still in use in the world today.
Items introduced by the indigenous people include the zero, the almanac and calendar system
from the Maya, canoeing, kayaking, tug-of-war and many other ball games (the rubber ball was
introduced by the Olmec). Snowshoes, hammocks, tipis, smoking tobacco, drinking chocolate
and chewing gum were all known to the indigenous people. Certain place names including Haiti,
Tobago and Palmiste are indigenous names.
Europeans benefitted from indigenous knowledge of the environment and used local people as
guides during exploration and marine activity. Indigenous knowledge of herbs and their uses was
heavily relied upon by the Europeans and indigenous food prevented the invaders from starving.
In addition some crops like potato and cassava, were taken to Europe and other European
colonies where they became staples.
Introduction to craft
Many of the crafts produced by the indigenous people have relevance today. The design of
indigenous homes has been incorporated into modern architecture, for instance on circular rooms
and adobe walls.

Different styles in pottery were introduced to the Europeans. Indigenous beadwork and turquoise
jewelley are high-fashion items even today. The indigenous people were shilled in the art of
melting gold and creating jewellery. Cotton was used to create fine cloths. Baskets and
hammocks are popular items and basket weaving is still practiced today. Dyes from different
plants are increasingly used for colouring and flavouring food as the demand for organic
products increases.
Introduction of agricultural products
The indigenous people domesticated a number of species of flora and fauna which have been
added to our diet. Products grown included peanuts, squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, avocado,
pineapples, guavas, beans and vanilla. For generations the people had experimented with maize
and were growing it for a variety of purposes, including making bread and popcorn. Potatoes
which were grown by the Inca in the Andes, were taken back to Europe where they became a
main staple of the people. Cassava or manioc was cultivated to make flour, beer and for the meal
pepper-pot. In the Caribbean cassava is the basis for a number of cuisines. Corn and cassava
were used to facilitate European colonization of Africa.
For the wealthy, cocoa was cultivated to make a warm beverage. It became a major plantation
crop for export to Europe.

Tobacco was cultivated and harvested for its medicinal and religious purpose. It was taken as
snuff, chewed and smoked in pipes. The habit was transferred to Europeans and is still in use,
though now widely considered unhealthy.
A number of animals were also domesticated which we use today, including the llama. The
indigenous people were experts at extracting honey from bees without being stung.
Provision of labour
In the beginning the indigenous people showed the Europeans how to grow crops for survival.
Trackers showed them how to hunt and where to find resources.
At first labour was voluntary. By the 16th century, however, Europeans had enslaved the
indigenous people and forced them to work on encomiendas or on plantations. They grew crops,
extracted resources like gold and silver and would dive for pearls. In this way they contributed to
the wealth of European empires.
Diseases and adaptation to the tropics
Europeans who came to the Americas faced the sweltering heat and suffered from deficiency
diseases, malnutrition and dehydration. There had been speculation that syphilis was introduced
to the Europeans, but there is historical evidence to prove that the disease existed in Europe
before 1492. New to the Europeans was chagas, an infectious disease spread by bloodsucking
insects.
Europeans began to realize the medicinal value of local plants. With the help of the indigenous
people Europeans learned about the nutritive and medicinal value of fruits and plants. For
example cocoa was used as an anesthetic and the bark of the willow tree, which contains
salicylic acid, a main ingredient in aspirin, was used to reduce fever and pain.
Questions
1. Explain three ways in which the indigenous people impacted on Europeans
2. List four inventions or contributions of the indigenous people.
3. State six ways in which cassava has impacted on our diet.
4. Identify three indigenous sources of modern medicine.

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Impact of the indigenous people

Tobago and Palmiste are indigenous names.

colonies where they became staples.

and adobe walls.

Introduction of agricultural products

were used to facilitate European colonization of Africa.

crop for export to Europe.

though now widely considered unhealthy.

Trackers showed them how to hunt and where to find resources.

the wealth of European empires.

Diseases and adaptation to the tropics

1. Explain three ways in which the indigenous people impacted on Europeans

2. List four inventions or contributions of the indigenous people.

3. State six ways in which cassava has impacted on our diet.

4. Identify three indigenous sources of modern medicine.

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