'First Contact' across North America, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts Explores the early years of contact, trade, reciprocity, and colonization, from initial engagement of different Indian and European peoples--Spanish, French, Dutch, English, and Russian--up to the start of tenuous and stormy relations with the new American government. Charts the rapid decline in American Indian populations due to factors including epidemic Old World diseases, genocide and warfare by explorers and colonists, tribal warfare, and the detrimental effects of resource ruination and displacement from traditional lands. Features a completely up-to-date synthesis of the literature of the field. Incorporates useful student features, including maps, illustrations, and a comprehensive and evaluative Bibliographical Essay. Written in an engaging style by an expert in Native American history and designed for use in both the U.S. history survey as well as dedicated courses in Native American studies"-- |