Viking Settlement In North America Essay

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Modern America, consisting of both Canada and the United States, are products of the European conquest of the aboriginal peoples of North America. Although there was an aboriginal population in North America who historically had problems with foreign settlers. Anglo-Americans had conflicts with natives because they viciously took the aboriginal people’s land and resources with no regard for cultural value or beliefs. However when the French encountered the aboriginal population they showed respect for their cultural beliefs and did not take aboriginal land without permission. The aboriginal population was able to establish a positive relationship with French settlers through mutual respect. Eventually the French and aboriginal people established a military alliance and …show more content…

Many people would assume that Christopher Columbus was the first person to settle in the Americas, although they would be wrong. The Vikings or the Norseman migrated to Northern America in search of land because they were over populated. In 1960 “undeniable proof of Vikings in North America came to light at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada. Several Norse Viking pieces and clear Icelandic- style house foundations gave proof positive that Vikings had indeed landed, and briefly settled, in North America 500 years before Columbus.” The Norse Viking pieces were found where Norse men and women lived and worked over 1,000 years ago. Although there is evidence of Viking settlement the Vikings did not stay for long because they were poorly suited for extensive travel including the North American winter. “L'Anse aux Meadows, located on the northern tip of Newfoundland, Canada, is the only authenticated Norse site in North America.” Hostile relations as well as native pressure between the Vikings and aboriginal population prevented the Vikings from permanently settling in North

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