Question 1

What does the term 'Indigenous' mean?

Accepted Answer

The term 'Indigenous' refers to people who were the earliest inhabitants of a land before its colonization or conquest by other groups. In the context of North America and Australia, it refers to the native populations who lived there for thousands of years before Europeans arrived.

Question 2

Which European nation first began the colonization of North America in a major way?

Accepted Answer

Britain, along with France and Spain, played a major role in the colonization of North America, eventually establishing the thirteen colonies that later became the United States of America.

Question 3

What was the primary attitude of European settlers towards the land in North America?

Accepted Answer

European settlers viewed the land as a resource to be bought, sold, cleared for agriculture, and exploited for profit, which sharply contrasted with the indigenous view of land as sacred and communal.

Question 4

The native peoples of North America were often referred to by Europeans as:

Accepted Answer

Europeans initially referred to the native inhabitants of North America as 'Indians' because Christopher Columbus mistakenly believed he had reached India when he landed in the Americas.

Question 5

What happened to the native population of North America after the arrival of Europeans?

Accepted Answer

The native population suffered a massive decline due to European diseases like smallpox, against which they had no immunity, as well as brutal warfare and forced displacement.

Displacing Indigenous Peoples — NCERT Class 11 History Important Questions & Revision Notes