West Virginia Indian History

 

West Virginia Indian History Review

Short Answer Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences.

1. Describe the typical religious beliefs of West Virginia Indians.
2. How did the social structure of West Virginia Indian tribes contribute to their strong sense of community?
3. What were the primary food sources for West Virginia Indians?
4. Explain how the geography of West Virginia influenced the hunting and fishing techniques of its native people.
5. How did West Virginia Indians utilize natural resources in constructing their homes?
6. What factors led to the decline of the Mound Builder civilization in West Virginia?
7. What role did trade play in the lives of West Virginia Indians before European contact?
8. Which two major European powers first came into significant conflict with West Virginia Indians, and what were the primary causes of this conflict?
9. What event ultimately led to the forced migration of most Native Americans from West Virginia?
10. What is the significance of the Shawnee tribe in West Virginia's history?

Short Answer Quiz: Answer Key

1. Answer: West Virginia Indians were deeply religious, worshipping a god known as the 'Great One'. They believed this god was pleased by good deeds and angered by wrongdoing. This belief system was reflected in their emphasis on living in harmony with nature and each other.
2. Answer: West Virginia Indian tribes were typically small and close-knit, with a chief who held authority but valued the opinions of the tribe. This structure fostered a strong sense of community and cooperation, as everyone relied on each other for survival.
3. Answer: West Virginia Indians were skilled hunters and gatherers. Their diet consisted of meat from animals like deer, elk, and buffalo, as well as fish from the region's rivers. They also supplemented their diet with foraged nuts, berries, and crops like corn.
4. Answer: The dense forests and plentiful rivers of West Virginia shaped the Indians' hunting and fishing techniques. They used bows and arrows for hunting in the woods and developed clever traps for capturing animals. Fishing was primarily done in rivers, using techniques adapted to the local waterways.
5. Answer: West Virginia Indians were resourceful in using natural materials for their homes. They built sturdy lean-tos and wigwams using readily available resources like trees and bark. Branches and smaller trees formed the framework, while bark served as siding.
6. Answer: The decline of the Mound Builder civilization in West Virginia remains a mystery. However, theories suggest that factors like migration, disease, and conflict with other tribes may have contributed to their disappearance.
7. Answer: Trade was essential for West Virginia Indians, facilitating the exchange of goods and fostering relationships with other tribes. They traded valuable items like furs and skins for tools, weapons, and decorative items.
8. Answer: The French and British were the first major European powers to come into conflict with West Virginia Indians, primarily over control of the fur trade and territorial expansion. This rivalry ultimately fueled conflicts like the French and Indian War.
9. Answer: The American Revolution marked a turning point, leading to the forced migration of many Native Americans from West Virginia. As European settlers expanded westward, pressure for land intensified, resulting in displacement and conflict.
10. Answer: The Shawnee tribe, known for their warrior culture and resistance to colonial expansion, played a pivotal role in shaping West Virginia's history. Their presence and resistance left a lasting legacy on the region's cultural landscape.

Essay Questions:

1. Compare and contrast the lifestyles of the Mound Builders and the later West Virginia Indian tribes. What evidence do we have about their respective cultures, and what conclusions can we draw from their artifacts and structures?
2. Discuss the impact of European arrival on the Native American tribes in West Virginia. How did their lives change, and what were the most significant consequences of these interactions?
3. Analyze the importance of the natural environment to the culture and survival of West Virginia Indians. How did they adapt to their surroundings, and what resources did they rely on most heavily?
4. The Shawnee tribe is often described as the "Arabs of the New World." Do you think this is an accurate comparison? Why or why not?
5. Imagine you are a West Virginia Indian chief in the early 1700s. Write a speech to your tribe addressing the arrival of European settlers. What message do you want to convey, and what future do you envision for your people?

Glossary of Key Terms:

• Mound Builders: A prehistoric Native American culture that flourished in North America, known for constructing large earthen mounds for burial, ceremonial, and residential purposes.
• Wigwam: A dome-shaped dwelling used by some Native American tribes, typically constructed with a framework of poles covered with bark, mats, or hides.
• Lean-to: A simple shelter, often with a single sloping roof, typically open on one side and used by Native Americans for temporary or seasonal housing.
• Great One: The central deity worshipped by many West Virginia Indian tribes.
• Tribe: A social group comprising a number of families, clans, or generations, sharing common customs, a language, and often a territory.
• Chief: The leader of a tribe, often holding a hereditary position or elected based on wisdom, bravery, or other respected qualities.
• Fur Trade: The historical exchange of animal furs, primarily beaver pelts, between Native Americans and European colonists. A significant economic activity that fueled exploration and conflict.
• French and Indian War: A conflict (1754-1763) between Britain and France and their respective Native American allies over control of North America, including the Ohio Valley region.
• American Revolution: The war (1775-1783) fought between the American colonies and Great Britain, resulting in the colonies' independence and significantly impacting Native American tribes and their alliances.
• Shawnee: A powerful Native American tribe originally from the Ohio Valley region, known for their resistance to colonial expansion and their involvement in numerous conflicts, including the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.