How Did Europeans View Native Americans

European views of Native Americans evolved dramatically from initial wonder and curiosity to eventual justification for conquest and displacement. This perception was shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including religious beliefs, economic interests, political ambitions, and evolving scientific theories. Understanding this historical perspective is crucial for grasping the deep-seated biases that continue to impact Native American communities today.

From the moment Europeans first encountered Native Americans, they began constructing narratives about these unfamiliar people. These narratives were often based more on European expectations and anxieties than on accurate observations of Native American cultures. The initial reactions were a mixture of fascination and apprehension, colored by the prevailing worldview of the time.

Early Encounters: Wonder and the "Noble Savage"

In the early days of exploration, some Europeans, particularly those influenced by Renaissance humanism, viewed Native Americans through the lens of the "noble savage." This concept, popularized by writers like Michel de Montaigne, portrayed indigenous people as living in a state of natural innocence, uncorrupted by the vices of European society. Native Americans were seen as physically beautiful, virtuous, and possessing a wisdom that Europeans had lost.

Christopher Columbus, in his letters, described the Taíno people of the Caribbean as gentle and generous, readily sharing their possessions with the newcomers. This idealized image served to justify colonization, suggesting that Native Americans would willingly accept European rule and Christianity.
John White's illustrations of the Algonquian people of Roanoke Island in the late 16th century depicted them engaged in peaceful activities, showcasing their agricultural skills, hunting techniques, and communal way of life. These images, widely circulated in Europe, further contributed to the romanticized view of Native Americans.

However, even these early positive portrayals contained elements of condescension and a sense of European superiority. Native American cultures were often judged based on European standards, and their differences were interpreted as signs of inferiority or lack of civilization.

The Influence of Religion: Savages and Heathens

As European colonization intensified, religious views played an increasingly significant role in shaping perceptions of Native Americans. Christian missionaries, driven by the desire to convert indigenous populations, often depicted Native American religions as pagan and idolatrous. This portrayal served to justify the destruction of Native American sacred sites and the suppression of their spiritual practices.

Puritan settlers in New England viewed Native Americans as obstacles to their divinely ordained mission to create a "city upon a hill." They saw Native American customs and beliefs as evidence of their inherent sinfulness and savagery. This perspective fueled conflicts such as the Pequot War and King Philip's War, which resulted in the decimation of Native American populations.
Spanish conquistadors used religious justifications to conquer and enslave Native Americans in the Americas. They argued that Native Americans needed to be Christianized, even if it meant using force. The Requerimiento, a document read to Native Americans before conquest, demanded their submission to the Spanish Crown and the Christian God, threatening them with war and enslavement if they refused.

The religious perspective not only dehumanized Native Americans but also provided a moral framework for their subjugation. By portraying them as enemies of God, Europeans could rationalize their actions, no matter how brutal.

Economic Interests: Land, Resources, and Exploitation

Economic interests were a primary driving force behind European colonization, and they profoundly influenced the way Native Americans were perceived. As Europeans sought to acquire land and resources, they increasingly viewed Native Americans as impediments to their progress. This led to the development of narratives that justified the dispossession and exploitation of indigenous peoples.

The fur trade in North America led to complex relationships between Europeans and Native Americans. While some Native American tribes benefited economically from the trade, they also became dependent on European goods and vulnerable to exploitation. European traders often cheated Native Americans, driving them into debt and forcing them to cede land in exchange for goods.
The expansion of agriculture in the Americas led to the displacement of Native American communities. As European settlers moved westward, they encroached on Native American lands, clearing forests and establishing farms. Native Americans who resisted this encroachment were often violently suppressed.

The economic imperative to acquire land and resources led to the creation of legal and political structures that systematically dispossessed Native Americans. Treaties were often used to legitimize the seizure of Native American lands, even though these treaties were often negotiated under duress and violated by European settlers.

Evolving Scientific Theories: Race and Hierarchy

In the 18th and 19th centuries, evolving scientific theories further reinforced European views of Native Americans as inferior. The development of racial classifications, based on pseudo-scientific ideas about biological differences, placed Europeans at the top of a hierarchy and Native Americans at the bottom. These theories were used to justify colonialism, slavery, and other forms of oppression.

Johann Friedrich Blumenbach, a German anthropologist, divided humanity into five races, with Caucasians at the top and Native Americans ranked lower. This classification system, though later discredited, had a profound impact on European thought and contributed to the development of racist ideologies.
The concept of "Manifest Destiny," popular in the 19th-century United States, held that it was the God-given right of Americans to expand westward and spread their civilization across the continent. This belief was used to justify the displacement and extermination of Native American populations.

The scientific racism of the 18th and 19th centuries provided a seemingly objective justification for European dominance. By portraying Native Americans as biologically inferior, Europeans could rationalize their actions as part of a natural order.

Shifting Perceptions and Resistance

Despite the prevailing negative stereotypes, there were also Europeans who challenged the dominant narratives about Native Americans. Some missionaries, explorers, and writers sought to understand and appreciate Native American cultures, advocating for their rights and criticizing the injustices of colonization.

Bartolomé de las Casas, a Spanish Dominican friar, condemned the mistreatment of Native Americans by Spanish colonizers, arguing that they were human beings with souls and rights. His writings, such as A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies, exposed the brutality of the Spanish conquest and called for reforms.
Henry David Thoreau, an American writer and philosopher, expressed admiration for Native American cultures and criticized the government's policies towards indigenous peoples. In his essay "Civil Disobedience," he argued that individuals had a moral obligation to resist unjust laws.

Native Americans themselves actively resisted European encroachment and challenged the negative stereotypes that were used to justify their oppression. Through diplomacy, armed resistance, and cultural preservation, they fought to maintain their sovereignty and cultural identity.

Tecumseh, a Shawnee leader, united various Native American tribes in the early 19th century to resist American expansion. He argued that Native American lands belonged to all tribes collectively and that no individual tribe had the right to cede land to the United States.
Geronimo, an Apache warrior, led a band of warriors in a decades-long struggle against the United States Army. He became a symbol of Native American resistance and a source of inspiration for future generations.

Legacy and Contemporary Issues

The historical European views of Native Americans have had a lasting impact on contemporary society. Negative stereotypes and biases continue to affect Native American communities, contributing to issues such as poverty, discrimination, and cultural loss.

Poverty and unemployment rates are significantly higher among Native Americans than the national average. This is due in part to the historical dispossession of Native American lands and the lack of economic opportunities in many Native American communities.
Discrimination against Native Americans persists in areas such as education, healthcare, and law enforcement. Native Americans are often subject to racial profiling and treated unfairly by the justice system.
Cultural loss is a major concern for Native American communities. The forced assimilation policies of the past, such as the boarding school system, have disrupted traditional cultures and languages.

Addressing these issues requires a critical examination of the historical European views of Native Americans and a commitment to promoting justice, equality, and cultural preservation. It is essential to recognize the resilience and contributions of Native American peoples and to support their efforts to reclaim their sovereignty and cultural identity.

Steps to Improve Understanding and Promote Justice

Here are actionable steps to foster a deeper understanding and promote justice for Native American communities:

Education and Awareness: Encourage inclusive education that accurately portrays Native American history and culture, moving beyond stereotypes. Support museums, cultural centers, and educational programs that amplify Native voices.
Land Acknowledgments: Begin meetings and events with land acknowledgments, recognizing the indigenous peoples who are the original stewards of the land. Understand the historical context and significance of these acknowledgments.
Support Native-Owned Businesses: Seek out and support businesses owned and operated by Native Americans. This helps to strengthen their economic self-sufficiency and cultural preservation.
Advocate for Policy Change: Support policies that protect Native American rights, including land rights, sovereignty, and cultural preservation. Advocate for equitable access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful and respectful of Native American cultures and traditions. Avoid cultural appropriation and seek guidance from Native community members when engaging with their culture.
Environmental Stewardship: Support environmental initiatives that protect Native American lands and resources. Recognize the deep connection between Native American cultures and the environment.
Community Engagement: Participate in community events and initiatives that support Native American communities. Build relationships with Native community members and listen to their perspectives.

By actively engaging in these steps, individuals and communities can contribute to dismantling historical biases and fostering a more just and equitable society for Native Americans.

In conclusion, the European view of Native Americans evolved from initial curiosity to a justification for conquest and dispossession. This historical perspective, shaped by religion, economics, and evolving scientific theories, has had a lasting impact on contemporary society. By understanding this history and actively working to address its legacies, we can promote justice, equality, and cultural preservation for Native American communities. How can we ensure that future generations learn from the past and build a more inclusive and equitable world?