America's true native inhabitants were the Native American Indians, and they did much to influence the shaping of not only America, but the whole world. Many customs, foods and even sports that Americans enjoy today derived from American Indians and their culture. Perhaps the thing that Indians had the most impact upon was agriculture.
American Indians grew a vast array of crops for thousands of years; and near the end of the 1400s, they introduced some of these crops to European settlers. Today, even much of the food in other countries originated from crops that the American Indians grew. Some of these early crops included such things as potatoes, corn, tomatoes, pineapples, beans and peanuts. Early European settlers took these crops with them all over the world, introducing them to countries everywhere.
American Indians have played a major role in creating many of our most popular sports. The Indian sport, baggataway, inspired the game that we now know of as lacrosse. Indians developed baggataway to teach the young men of the tribe how to think quickly, be agile, and how to work as a team. These skills, in turn, helped the youngsters grow up to become excellent hunters and warriors. Other sports that American Indians influenced include kayaking, wrestling, field hockey, archery and track.
American Indians have had a significant amount of influence when it comes to America's language. Many American words derived from Native Americans such as moccasins, poncho, hammock, and parka. Hickory and pecan trees are also named after Indians. The same can be said for many American states and rivers including Missouri, Massachusetts, Alabama, the Potomac and the Mississippi.
Native Americans showed European settlers how to hunt properly and how to travel unmapped land and bodies of water. They also profoundly contributed to the world of art, influencing such areas as jewelry designing, fabric weaving, pottery and leather crafting. Today, artwork by American Indians is some of the most valued and respected artwork in the world.
Perhaps the biggest contribution that Native Americans have made to the world is their natural harmony with the environment. Indians know the significance of preserving natural resources, recycling and keeping the air clean. They have always shown respect for nature and the environment and warned of the potential consequences.
America's first citizens were the Native American Indians, and they had influence in shaping the country into what it is today. Indians played an essential role in influencing everything from crops and sports to hunting and art. Their influences not only touched on early settlers in America, but they were felt all over the globe. While there are many more ways that American Indians influenced the shaping of America, these are some of the most significant.
