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An Untouched Landscape?

In American history, at the time of European contact the continent is often described as a “pristine” or “virgin” wilderness. Native Americans are frequently treated as few in number and as a “natural” part of the landscape; people who lived in harmony with nature and left a light footprint. But how accurate is this view?

Read the following articles and consider the “myth” of a pristine American landscape…

Environmental Impact of American Indian Farms-John Barrat

America’s Pristine Myth-Charles C. Mann.pdfPreview the documentView in a new window

Pristine Myth-Denevan.pdfPreview the documentView in a new window

Then, write a short paper that answers the following questions.

Paragraph 1: In your own words, explain the “myth of the pristine wilderness”?

Paragraph 2: Briefly discuss the “main points” of the articles by Barrat and Mann.

Paragraph 3: Briefly–What is Denevan’s hypothesis? Cite at least three specific examples of evidence Denevan uses to support his claims-including a min. of one example of writings from the early European explorers and settlers. In the section on “Recovery”, what does he say happened between 1750 and 1492 to change the landscape and give later European settlers the impression of an empty wilderness? Why did eyewitness reports after 1750 seem to support this impression (see the Conclusion page 11-13)? Read carefully to identify Denevan’s views. He frequently cites other authors who disagree with him!

Paragraph 4: Sum up: In a few sentences discuss whether or not you find the arguments/theories/hypotheses in these articles persuasive? Why do you think this information is or is not important to be aware of? Does it change anything about your perceptions of the pre-Columbian Americas?

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