The Plains Indians' and the Great Plains

The Plains Indians' and the Great Plains

1. Who were they?

   • Came from the plains of north asia
   • Different nations adapted their lifestyle to different enviroments

2. Why did they move to the great plains?

   • Horses
     • By 1680's/90's some Indian nations had horses
     • Were able to move out on to the Plains and give up farming
   • Diseases
     • Europeans brought new diseases (e.g. cholera and smallpox) to America
     • Sioux and Cheyenne moved to escape diseases
   • Trade
     • Guns changed the balance of power
     • Guns in hands of enemies: drove nations on to Plains

3. How teepee solved problems of GP

   • Lack of wood
     • Instead of wood, used buffalo skins
     • Poles supporting teepee could be used as trava's for moving
   • Strong winds
     • Teeppe= round: wind blow around them
       • Round= "The power of the world works in circles"
   • Extreme temperatures
     • In summer: bottom of teepee could be rolled up
     • In winter: banked with earth
   • The need to move frequently
     • Could be pack/ unpacked in 10 minutes