Survive

Definition

To survive means to continue to live or exist, especially in challenging circumstances. In the context of various societies during Period 2, survival often hinged on adapting to environmental conditions, social structures, and economic challenges. The ability of different groups to survive was shaped by their responses to external pressures such as colonization, resource availability, and cultural interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Different Native American tribes developed unique strategies for survival based on their geographic locations, such as fishing, hunting, and agriculture.
2. European settlers faced numerous challenges in the New World, leading them to rely on Native American knowledge and practices for survival during the early years.
3. Survival often involved cooperation among diverse groups, leading to trade relationships that were crucial for accessing resources that were not locally available.
4. The introduction of European agricultural techniques and livestock significantly altered indigenous methods of farming and contributed to survival strategies in the Americas.
5. The struggle for survival was also reflected in the emergence of various social hierarchies and power dynamics as groups sought to control resources and territory.

Review Questions

• How did adaptation strategies differ among various Native American tribes in their efforts to survive?
  • Native American tribes developed diverse adaptation strategies based on their specific environments. For example, tribes in the Great Plains relied heavily on buffalo hunting for sustenance, while those in coastal regions focused on fishing and gathering shellfish. The unique resources available in each area influenced these survival tactics, showcasing the tribes' deep understanding of their ecosystems and how to utilize them effectively.
• In what ways did European settlers' need to survive in the New World lead to interactions with Native Americans?
  • European settlers faced harsh conditions upon arriving in the New World, including unfamiliar climates and limited resources. To ensure their survival, many settlers turned to Native Americans for guidance on local agriculture, hunting techniques, and trade practices. This led to a mix of cooperation and conflict as both groups navigated their need for resources while dealing with cultural differences and territorial claims.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of survival strategies employed by both indigenous peoples and European settlers on the development of early American societies.
  • The survival strategies used by both indigenous peoples and European settlers had profound long-term impacts on the development of early American societies. Indigenous practices of resource management were often disregarded by settlers who imposed their own agricultural methods. This not only altered ecosystems but also led to significant changes in social structures as populations shifted. Additionally, the interplay between these different survival strategies fostered an environment of cultural exchange but also resulted in conflict and displacement, shaping the foundation of future American society.

Related terms

Adaptation:

The process by which individuals or groups adjust to changes in their environment or circumstances in order to enhance their chances of survival.

Subsistence Economy: An economic system where communities focus on producing enough resources to meet their immediate needs for survival, rather than for trade or profit.

Cultural Resilience: The ability of a culture to withstand and adapt to external pressures while maintaining its core values and practices.