Lesson 4: North American Cultures

Key Idea

Long before Europeans arrived, the development of farming allowed some Native American groups to create large, complex societies. Two of these were the Ancestral Pueblo in the Southwest and the Mississippian culture in the Mississippi River valley.

These groups built impressive cities and structures. The Ancestral Pueblo constructed stone cliff dwellings, while the Mississippians built enormous earth mounds and the bustling town of Cahokia.

Key Idea

Peoples of the Eastern Woodlands thrived in vast forest environments. They developed farming methods suited to the forests, growing crops like corn, beans, and squash. Families lived together in large, wooden homes called longhouses, which were central to their community life.

To maintain peace, five distinct Iroquois nations formed a powerful alliance. This union, known as the Iroquois League, created a system of cooperation that made them one of the most organized political groups in North America.

Key Idea

Before Europeans arrived, many peoples of the Great Plains lived in settled farming villages. They hunted on foot, which made pursuing large bison herds difficult.

In the 1600s, Spanish colonists brought horses to North America. These animals spread across the plains, and Native American groups quickly became expert riders.

Key Idea

In the resource-rich Pacific Northwest, abundant forests and salmon allowed peoples to build permanent villages. They developed complex societies where families showed their wealth and status through ceremonies like the potlatch.

Far to the north, in the harsh Arctic environment, survival was the main focus. Peoples like the Inuit adapted by hunting seals and whales. In the winter, some groups built homes from snow, called igloos, to protect themselves from the extreme cold.