Share your own thoughts on how Spanish and/or French colonization impacted the lives of Native Americans (20-100 words), based on the items in the compare-and-contrast chart.

1 answer

Spanish and French colonization had profound, though distinct, impacts on Native American lives. The Spanish primarily sought wealth and conversion, leading to widespread exploitation, forced labor, and the spread of diseases that decimated populations. In contrast, the French focused more on trade and alliances, often fostering cooperative relationships with tribes. However, both colonizers disrupted traditional lifestyles and social structures, leading to significant cultural changes and loss of autonomy for Native Americans. Ultimately, both colonization efforts resulted in profound, often detrimental, transformations in Native American societies.