From the Micmac in the Northeast to the Hopi in the Southwest, from the Chinook in the Northwest to the Seminole in the Southeast, the North American continent was filled with Indian tribes when white men first set foot on the shores that would become the United States. For the most part the new white settlers found the Indians to be friendly and willing to trade with them and allow them to share their lands. This friendship would not continue, however, as the white populations grew and exploited the Indian. Much of North America was rich in natural resources which the white men wanted. They also wanted the lands that would provide homes and farms for the constant flow of immigrants that were to arrive.
For the most part the United States government and wealthy easterners were responsible for the Indians losing their land. How and why they did this can be traced back to the first meetings white men had with Indians when they came to America. It is evident that Columbus met Indians when he first came to the North American continent and he found them friendly, but not until settlements were started at a later date can one really tell what the Indians intentions were. For example, when Henry Hudson came to Manhattan Island he was met by Indians carrying tobacco leaves for trade with the white men. Since the white men needed land the Indians traded the island for about $24 in beads and trinkets. While it is clear that the white traders were exploiting the Indians this deal gives a clear indication of the Indian's willingness to share their land with the new settlers.
When the French began to explore the Mississippi regions the Indians of that region performed a ritual dance known as the "calumet" for their new found friends. This was known as the dance of intended friendship (Wissler 66). Indian tribes across the country were equally ready to greet the new settlers and welcome them to their country. By 1890, however, t...