How did European explorers view Native Americans?

Question

as similar to themselves
as models to learn from
as respectable
as uncivilized

Answer 1

European explorers often viewed Native Americans as uncivilized. This perspective was rooted in ethnocentrism, where European cultures and lifestyles were seen as superior to those of Indigenous peoples. Many explorers and colonizers characterized Native Americans as primitive or savage, justifying their conquest and colonization as a civilizing mission. Some explorers did recognize certain aspects of Native American cultures, but the dominant view tended to emphasize differences and perceived inferiority.