United States History Student Edition

For many years, scientists believed that maize was first grown in what is today Mexico, but new evidence suggests it might have been grown in South America at the same time. Early native farmers also planted pumpkins, beans, and squash. Farming provided a more reliable source of food than hunting. Once people did not have to move from place to place to find food, they had more time to spend on other activities. This improved the lives of early Americans. Establishing Different Cultures Although some prehistoric Americans remained nomadic hunters, others became semi-nomadic, moving back and forth between seasonal residences. Still others began to establish permanent residences. They built sturdy shelters from clay, stone, or wood. The earliest villages in North America date to about 5,000 years ago, or 3000 B.C.E. By studying artifacts from these villages, scientists have learned how agriculture changed the lives of early Americans. Besides cultivating crops and building homes, they made pottery and cloth. Common customs and beliefs also grew over time. Eventually, the different groups of people living in the Americas developed their own cultures (KUHL•churz), or traditions and behaviors shared among a group. 7 CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING Summarizing In what ways did the lives of some early American peoples change when they learned to farm? LESSON ACTIVITIES 1. Informative Writing In two to three paragraphs, explain how the lifestyle of the earliest Americans was related to the migration that brought them here. 2. Analyzing Main Ideas With a partner, discuss and list ways in which the shift to farming from hunting and gathering changed the daily lives of adults and children. Create a presentation, poster, or slide show illustrating the contrasts between these ways of life.

7 CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING 1. Explaining How did the last ice age expose a land bridge between Asia and the Americas? 2. Understanding Supporting Details What are two possible ways the first people might have come to the Americas? Settlement GUIDING QUESTION How did the invention of farming affect Native American cultures? Prehistoric humans increased their chances of survival by expanding their food sources. Besides hunting large mammals, early Americans hunted smaller animals, caught fish, and gathered berries and grains. Eventually, farming emerged as another option. Farming changed the nomadic This hoe resembles those used by an early Native American culture that lived in the area of the Mississippi River. It is made from a stone blade strapped to a wooden handle. Stone hoes enabled early Americans to more easily till the soil before planting crops.

way of life of many groups. Learning to Farm

The first plant food cultivated , or grown, in the Americas appears to be maize, a type of corn.

emerged became known or visible cultivate to help things grow culture a people’s shared values, beliefs, traditions, and behaviors

Carver Mostardi/Alamy Stock Photo

10