What was the European attitude toward Native American lands?

They needed to negotiate with Native Americans for the right to explore it.

They respected Native American rights to use the land.

They could share it with the Native Americans.

They could claim Native American land as their own.

1 answer

The European attitude toward Native American lands generally leaned toward the idea that they could claim Native American land as their own. Many European settlers regarded the land as available for their use and ownership, often dismissing or undermining the existing claims and rights of Native Americans. This attitude was shaped by various factors, including the concept of terra nullius (land belonging to no one) and a belief in the superiority of European culture and civilization, which justified their expansion into and appropriation of these lands. As a result, the assertion that they could claim Native American land as their own best reflects the predominant European attitude during this period.