Indian civilization studies

After more than 20 thousand years of differentiation and development, Indians have produced many different nationalities and languages. Historically, Indians established four empires, the most important of which was the Aztec Empire in North America and the Inca Empire in South America. The Maya among the Indians invented Mayan characters, and their research attainments in astronomy are also quite in-depth. Indians grow corn, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, tobacco, cocoa and other crops. However, due to the persecution and killing of Indians by western colonists and the destruction of Indian culture, there are not many ancient civilization materials left behind, but the current research has attracted more and more attention from the archaeological community, and American countries have begun to vigorously explore Indian ancient culture. In addition, Indians have been mistaken for red people because their skin is often red. Later, I learned that these reds were caused by the misunderstanding of Indians' traditional habit of painting red pigments on their faces. Indian civilization cannot be simply equated with the "ancient history" of the United States.

Two views: There are two different views on the relationship between Indian civilization and American history in academic circles. One view is that Indian history is an important part of American history and constitutes an ancient part of American history; Another view is tit for tat, that Indian civilization is not directly related to American history and cannot be simply equated with American "ancient history".

The main basis of the first view:

(1) Indian culture is one of the ancient civilizations in the world and has made great contributions and influences to the development of world economy and culture.

(2) The United States is a multi-ethnic country, and Indians are one of them, and they are the earliest inhabitants of American land.

The main basis of the second view:

(1) Although Indians have had a certain impact on the development of world economy and culture, they have not had a direct and decisive impact on the development of politics, economy, ideology, culture and religion in modern American society.

(2) American civilization is based on European science and technology, ideology, culture and religion, and American nation is the product of European national integration. American history was not developed on the basis of Indian history. There is no necessary connection between the two.

(3) Even with Indian civilization as the beginning of American history, there is still a long gap between slave society and feudal society. North American Indians have made great contributions to the rise of modern American civilization.

First of all, Indians are pioneers in developing North America and founders of modern agriculture.

There are more than 20 kinds of crops in the United States, such as corn, tobacco, sweet potato, potato, sweet potato, peanut and so on. Compared with the main methods used by Indians to grow corn, modern agriculture has not changed much. The method of growing tobacco and the method of smoking with sunlight or fire come from Indians. Potatoes later spread to Europe. Indians know how to control wild plants and choose seeds, how to fertilize and improve soil, how to preserve fruits with sugar water or honey, and how to preserve fruits, vegetables and meat by artificial or solar drying.

Second, Indians are the guides of European explorers and the ancestors of immigrants.

The development of the early North American continent could not be separated from the enthusiastic help of Indians. When Columbus arrived in San Salvador, he was warmly welcomed by the indigenous Indians on the island, calling him a man from heaven and acting as his guide. European immigrants were also treated well by Indians in the early days when they entered the North American continent. Indians taught them to grow crops, cultivate the land with trees and grass, use weeds to make medicine, and use maple leaves to make syrup; Teach them to set traps to catch wild animals; Teach them how to fish; Teach them to use smoke columns and torches as signals and explore ways of communication; Teach them to make canoes and sail in the bend of the river. Even the skirmisher formation tactics used during the War of Independence came from Indians. Thanksgiving, a national holiday that has been followed to this day, is also related to Indians.

Thanksgiving Day:/kloc-In the winter of 0/620, when the English Puritans arrived at Plymouth colony in Massachusetts Bay in North America, they were poor, hungry and cold. Friendly Indians lend a helping hand, teach white people how to fish, how to grow corn, tomatoes, cocoa, tobacco and other crops, and help them through the severe winter. The following autumn, the crops planted by the immigrants got a bumper harvest. In order to thank God's care and the generosity of Indians, the immigrants held a party to celebrate the harvest in June+10, 5438. The local Indian chief was invited to lead nearly 100 people to participate in the celebration. The anniversary of the harvest has been passed down to this day and has become one of the important national festivals in the United States.

Third, Indian civilization adds luster to American national civilization.

Today, the number of American Indians is less than 1% of the total population, only 1.4 million. There are more than 20 states (some say 26, some say 34), more than 65,438+0,000 rivers, more than 200 lakes, countless towns, hills, valleys, forests and parks in the United States, all with Indian names. For example, Iowa, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Dakota, Illinois, Oklahoma, Utah, Alabama, Arizona and other tribal names all originated from Indians. In addition, there are Ohio, Missouri, Connecticut, Potomac River, Lake Michigan and so on. Oklahoma means red land; Connecticut means long river; Indiana is the hometown of Shawnee and Miami Indians. The Mississippi River is also taken from the Indian River. Appalachian mountains mean people on the other side. Loki Mountain means Stone Mountain. Milwaukee means a land of joy. About 1700 Indian words are borrowed from American English (including direct borrowing and derivation).

The self-defense of white racists is unfounded.